I would like to tell you about an initiative taking shape in Hisarya called the “Garden of the Arts” This project was
conceived by Varvara Karnaukh, a Ukrainian-born artist and educator living in Hisarya, Bulgaria. She holds degrees in Decorative Applied Art and Graphic Design and runs her own Art Studio “Adventure” where she teaches painting and ceramics.
Passionate about combining art with permaculture, Varvara is currently leading the “Garden of Arts” project to create a vibrant learning space that combines permaculture with creative arts focused on sustainable living and creativity.
The project began with Varvara sharing her vision in an online meeting, outlining how she planned to integrate permaculture principles with art activities. I’ve been keeping an eye on the development from the sidelines, intrigued by the concept.
A second in-person meeting took place at the proposed site in Hisarya. Varvara guided the attendees through the area, discussing how the land could be used and showing the plans she had developed. It was a practical way to visualize how the project would come together.
After this site visit, the group gathered in the Art Studio to start on the application for funding. Time was tight, and not everything was covered in one go, but progress was made when Katya from Plovdiv arrived the next day to help finalize things.
Throughout this phase, I helped out by offering advice when needed and trying to keep the project moving along with Michaela Tsarchinska who gave invaluable advice. It was a joint effort, with everyone bringing something to the table from their experience.
Once the application was submitted, there was a sense of hopeful anticipation about what’s next. Everyone involved is looking forward to seeing this project grow and become a vibrant part of the Hisarya community. You can see the project design in the following image :
As plans continue to evolve, the “Garden of the Arts” is set to offer a space where people can learn about and engage with both permaculture and the arts. It’s not just about beautifying a space—it’s about enriching the community in a meaningful way.
