Vīgrieze – the national applied arts studio of the parish of Sigulda.

What can better characterize about 20 energetic Latvian women working in a studio than the seemingly commonplace but ubiquitous meadow-sweet. It grows everywhere: in the edges of forests, meadows, shady woods and by the banks of rivers and lakes. Meadow-sweets are as tough and tenacious as these women and as therapeutic as practicing handwork. Their flowers are as fine and beautiful as the women’s handwork and the fragrance is like the joy derived from their hand-made items. The knowledge inherited from our ancestors and the skills acquired during a life-time are preserved and passed on to the studio members who view traditional handwork as a hobby.

During the Song Festival, members of the applied folk arts studio “Vīgrieze” will present an exhibition, “Patterns of VĪGRIEZE” at the gallery Daugava. Tablecloths executed in various techniques, shade striped blankets of Vidzeme and other items will be displayed, but the greatest interest is expected to be focused on “ Balts” symbols executed by studio members using various techniques to create the displayed patterns.