The Regional Historical Museum – Razgrad, the Historical Museum – Sevlievo, and the “Asen and Iliya Peykov” Art Gallery – Sevlievo are jointly organizing the exhibition “Mistress of Clay,” featuring works by the Razgrad-based ceramic artist Eli Nedelcheva (1961–2011). The event will take place on Monday, September 21, at 5:30 PM in the hall of the “Asen and Iliya Peykov” Art Gallery in Sevlievo.
The organizers invite connoisseurs of ceramic art—and admirers of Eli Nedelcheva’s work—to attend the opening. The exhibition’s creator and curator is Prof. Dr. Rositsa Angelova, Head of the Modern and Contemporary History Department at the Regional Historical Museum in Razgrad and recipient of the 2025 “Cultural Figure” award in Razgrad; she will present the exhibition at the opening. Iveta Milenova, Director of the Historical Museum in Sevlievo, noted that she had been impressed by the exceptional quality of the works during the presentation of “The Mistress of Clay” in Busintsi; consequently, she invited the exhibition to Sevlievo, believing that such achievements in ceramic art should not be forgotten.
Ten original works by Eli Nedelcheva—including plates, candlesticks, and a pitcher—will be on display in the exhibition halls of the Asen and Iliya Peykov Art Gallery in Sevlievo. Nedelcheva used red, white, and traditional clays to create these pieces. Visitors will also be able to view displays featuring the artist’s drawings, notebooks, technical drawings, sketches, and design plans, drawn from the collection of the Regional History Museum in Razgrad. Information panels detailing her creative career will highlight key moments in her rise to prominence as a renowned Bulgarian artist. Notably, the exhibition also includes two works from the collection of the private Vidima Art Gallery in Sevlievo; these pieces were acquired by the gallery during the artist’s visits to the city and showcase her signature style. The exhibition will remain in the city until October 12.
Hristina Georgieva, curator at the Art Gallery, noted the long-standing tradition of showcasing artistic ceramics at the Sevlievo History Museum. This explains the great interest in the exhibition “Mistress of the Clay,” featuring ceramic works by Eli Nedelcheva. The nature of the craft demands care and attention regarding the preservation and public display of the exhibits; Ms. Georgieva—curator at the “Asen and Iliya Peykov” Art Gallery—pointed out that Eli Nedelcheva’s exhibition marks a timely “return” to Sevlievo, following her last showcase in the city in 2005. She added that Sevlievo was home to a technical school for ceramics, which fostered a community of active ceramicists in the town; indeed, graduates of this school go on to pursue artistic ceramics. These traditions are also being carried forward through the children’s ceramics school in Sevlievo. Exhibitions of artistic ceramics are held annually in the city, and local artists also showcase their applied art creations in Oreshak.
Eli Nedelcheva (1961–2011) was an artist of national and international renown; born on October 7, 1961, in Razgrad, she studied ceramics under the celebrated Busintsi master potter Petar Gigov. She participated in exhibitions in Bulgaria, France, and Turkey, and her works have been showcased in prestigious galleries and private collections across Bulgaria, Ireland, Russia, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Poland, China, and the USA.
The exhibition “Mistress of Clay” continues to attract sustained interest. It has previously been hosted in the city of Štip (Republic of North Macedonia), at the Museum of Folk Arts and Crafts and Applied Arts in Troyan, and at the Tran Historical Museum – “Busintsi Ceramics” Museum Complex.
