about
The mission of the organization is
to cross-pollinate the culture of Art between continents by promoting the exchange of artists and their work. La Citadelle aims to assist emerging artists through training and career promotion to allow international recognition of their work and to establish a vibrant network of Artistic intelligence.
Our Story:
Founded in 2000, La Citadelle Art NFP Artistic Association is named after the street Vesna and her family lived on in France, where she first thought up the non profit concept. La Citadelle means Fortress, now symbolic because La Citadelle NFP is a guardian and protector of the arts.
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”
Pablo Picasso
With full participation from local authorities and French local artists, a group of select artists from Former Yugoslavia were invited to complete a summer artistic workshop in the village, just 9 kilometers away from Versailles. And as the French would say, the results were extraordinaire!Guest artists and local French artists bonded to share techniques and inspiration. Their artwork was publicized through a series of different exhibitions in Paris. Paintings were auctioned shortly thereafter which, along with numerous donations, enabled the association to continue its mission to establish the existence of an international artistic community.The underlying message from the project was that art bridges cultural differences; the war torn former Yugoslavia was brought together again, and we introduced these budding artists to the eclectic refined culture of Paris.
La Citadelle Art organized similar exchanges between the States and Europe. Upon moving to the States, Vesna enrolled in the art life of Barrington, developing positive and professional relationships with local artists and art enthusiasts. She established Barrington Culture Art Center where she became Vice President and in 2011 La Citadelle Art Gallery opened.
There was never a dull moment at La Citadelle Art gallery. It bustled wth life with different exhibitions and art classes.
These fun and inspiring workshops and classes helped educate and inspire art to all ages.
To make all this possible, we rely on donations which we drive right back into the projects. So if you like what we do, please help us continue!