Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The ancient historian Thucydides already knew that. In our stressful everyday lives, we unfortunately often lack an eye for beauty in life. Yet it is everywhere: in nature, in relationships and in artistic creation. But there is also much beauty to be found in the small and hidden. The new group Art-Net Werdenberg wants to open the eyes for beauty with its first art project. Member Julia Keller explains: "We are surrounded by beauty, we just have to recognise it."

Art-Net Werdenberg - four creative minds

Julia Keller made a name for herself nationwide with her first book "My Name is Julia". In addition to her writing and art painting, she enjoys getting involved in other creative projects. Another member of the Art-Net Werdenberg working group is Thomas Beerle, who worked for many years as a pastor in the Werdenberg area. Today he is developing "new forms of church" with the Protestant Church of Altstätten. "Thomas told me about his vision of art that communicates good values over a coffee. People who create and are interested in art in the area should form a network of relationships and activities that encourages and enriches," Julia Keller tells me, "A little later Helen and Fredy Sutter, a committed couple from Sevelen, joined us and made our team perfect." Together they created the art project "Schönheit".

Werdenberg art project "Schönheit"

At the beginning of the year, Art Net Werdenberg searched via newspaper advertisement for about 50 artists to exhibit their work on the theme of "Schönheit" in the area. At the same time, galleries, cafés, banks, shops and restaurants were asked if they would make exhibition space available. In the end, more than 70 people between the ages of 18 and 80 responded to the call. "We hoped that our project idea would be well received, but we didn't expect such a big response," says Julia Keller.

The paintings and sculptures, but also videos, music and clownery are presented at almost 50 exhibition locations in the Werdenberg area. Some of the exhibition spaces are located in the middle of everyday life, in cafés, shops, banks as well as in various public places such as Lake Werdenberg. "It is a win-win situation. The artists benefit from the platform, the companies from the visit. This creates precisely those relationships in the area that are important and that we want," Julia Keller sums up. Cancelling the art project because of the current Corona pandemic was not an option, she says. "The artists are very happy to have the opportunity to exhibit their works during this extraordinary time.

An art project for the whole family

The art exhibition "Schönheit" runs from 10 April to 7 May. Because of the Corona pandemic, there will be no conventional vernissage, but a short film that will be shown in endless loop from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the large screen in the Gass in Buchs. The Art-Net Werdenberg group is hoping to be able to organise the finissage in the "Heuwiese" in Weite with visitors. The art project appeals to young and old. There is a hands-on activity for children and families as well as a competition for adults. You can find the detailed information here.