Exhibition, Open Studio, and Workshops
Step out of everyday life and enter worlds where mythology, symbolism, and contemporary art intertwine. The exhibition Mermaid Hospital by Marit Benthe Norheim, accompanied by the magical music of Tonje T.S. Norheim, together with the open studio and a series of workshops, offers an experience that connects the viewer, the creator, and the story.
What awaits you
- Exhibition: Mermaid hospital
An installation consisting of approximately 24 aquariums and 7 bronze sculptures of mermaids, inspired by Chinese mythology and the artist’s personal story, accompanied by the music of Tonje T.S. Norheim.
- Open Studio
Throughout the exhibition, the artist will be creating a new work directly in the gallery. Visitors can observe the process and ask questions.
- Workshops on Symbols and Mythology
- Interactive activities for everyone interested in exploring the meaning of folklore figures, cultural symbols, and creative thinking.
(Exact times of workshops and accompanying events will be announced soon.)
Who it’s for
The event is open to all – curious visitors, art lovers, students, families, and anyone who wants to discover new worlds of creativity and symbolism.
Why we do it
Contemporary art is not only about the result – it is about the process, the stories, and the people who create them. The exhibition Mermaid Hospital, part of the artist residency program at Trenčín 2026, offers the chance to experience art differently – openly, up close, and with the possibility of active connection.
🧭 Practical Information
Venue: M. A. Bazovský Gallery, Palackého 27, Trenčín
Dates: September 25 – October 24, 2025
Opening: September 25 at 17:00
Open Studio: during gallery opening hours
Admission: Free entry
🎟️ Come experience the world of art up close.
Workshop: Hospital for Mermaids
Come and try out the techniques and artistic process of sculptor Marit Benthe Norheim, who will personally guide you, on the first floor of GMAB.
As part of the exhibition at GMAB, there is an open studio where the sculptor is working throughout the month, and thanks to the workshops open to everyone, you will have the chance to join a project exploring mythological and fairy-tale characters connected with water from all over the world.
What to expect:
The workshop will consist of several parts: discussions about mythology, local stories, and symbols, followed by capturing them on paper. You will experience drawing and working with unconventional sculptural materials such as concrete. Together we will examine the meaning of Slavic fairy tales and characters like vodník (water sprite) or rusalka, and their symbolic relevance to the time in which they were created.
What role did these symbols play in their era? And what symbols of strength, protection, or fear are used—or needed—today? In the workshops, we will both discuss and artistically explore these themes, while working with M. B. Norheim’s traditional technique of using construction materials as an artistic medium.
The workshop is free of charge and will be conducted in Slovak.
Please register via this form – the workshop has a limited capacity (max. 15 people).
Workshop date: October 11, from 12:00 to 14:00 (Please arrive 10 minutes earlier.)
