Artisians invited by the Polish Tourism Organization will bring the Zalipie folk art traditions to the Festival of Folk Arts.
Discover the 19th-century tradition of painting floral patterns on houses and interiors. The painted village of Zalipie is known far beyond the borders of Poland. Located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, just 80 kilometers from Krakow, in the Dąbrowa Powiśle region, Zalipie and the surrounding villages have been decorated by locals with painted floral motifs for over a hundred years. This unique cultural phenomenon, passed down from generation to generation—usually from mother to daughter—has become an integral part of local identity.
Initially, women painted lime spots on the soot-covered walls near the hearth to brighten and beautify the interiors of their homes. Later, with the availability of colored paints, the patterns were further developed, spreading over larger surfaces. To this day, the tradition of decorating houses and interiors with various floral patterns is maintained.
Magdalena Bochenek contemporary folk painter
Magdalena Bochenek is a renowned contemporary folk painter who continues the tradition of Zalipie painting. Deeply connected to her local heritage from early childhood, she has developed her skills inspired by nature, traditions, and patterns passed down through generations.
Magdalena Bochenek’s works are characterized by rich colors and intricate, hand-painted floral motifs. She decorates not only paintings but also functional objects such as chests, vessels, pitchers, and even architectural elements. Her art reflects a deep respect for tradition and nature, as well as exceptional attention to detail.
Magdalena actively participates in cultural events and folklore festivals, promoting the art of Zalipie both in Poland and abroad. Her work represents not only the continuation of a family tradition but also serves as an example of how folk craftsmanship can harmoniously coexist with the modern world as an expression of cultural identity and artistic passion. She is a member of the Polish Association of Folk Artists.
Bogusława Miś folk painter
Bogusława Miś (née Chlastawa) is a prominent representative of the Zalipie painting traditions, coming from one of the most famous folk artist families of Zalipie. Her grandmother, Felicja Wolańska, and her mother, Maria Chlastawa—one of the most outstanding painters of this tradition—began her artistic education at an early age.
Mrs. Bogusława specializes in the old-style monochrome painting—white painting on wooden buildings, which is one of the oldest and now rarely used decorative techniques. She creates painted rugs (on paper and fabric), tablecloths, and paper cutouts, preserving the characteristic traditional motifs and colors of Zalipie.
Currently, Bogusława Miś manages the “Malowany Miś” agro-tourism site in Zalipie, which also serves as a gallery, studio, and exhibition space. Visitors can see a painted house, the farmyard, and a collection of painted furniture, ceramics, textiles, Easter eggs, and Christmas ornaments.
Bogusława Miś bridges the historical form of Zalipie painting with its contemporary interpretation—thanks to her efforts, the tradition lives on in Zalipie not only as an art form but also as a tool for education, tourism, and inspiring younger generations.
