Dobrinka Maneva created Tryavna’s Art-M gallery in a era of tribulation, and succeeded
Text and photos: John Dodds
During Bulgaria’s difficult transition from communism to capitalism, when people were still queuing in line to buy bread, the idea of opening an art gallery might have seemed a bold step. Yet in 1989, at a key point of change for the country, that is exactly what one courageous woman did.
Dobrinka Maneva, 47, is the owner of the Art-M gallery and hotel in the charming town of Tryavna in the Stara Planina range. She graduated with a degree in chemical science from Sofia University and was heading a research and development department in a chemical factory near the city when she decided to change her life.
“In 1989, my second son was born, and with factories closing I realised I could soon lose my job. After considering various options, I decided to open an art gallery,” she says.
The leap from chemistry to art was not as great as the one from socialism to capitalism, however. Maneva’s love of art and the culture and history of her home town of Tryavna was instilled in her at junior high school when she worked as a guide for local museums. “Knowing that there were plenty of opportunities for cultural tourism and little competition – at the time in Tryavna there was only one woodcarving shop and one private cafeteria – I decided to open a gallery,” she says.
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Thursday, December 04 2008
Expat of the Week
RosieP
I really enjoy walking and can't wait to move into my little house in Bulgaria! read more
What`s on in Bulgaria
Cultural Institutes
Save the planet, and Bulgaria What: A film by American director Tom Jackson, this tells the story of how petrol corporations damage the environment without reinvesting any funds to offset it. When: December 10, 6pm Where: Czech Centre 100 G. S. Rakovski Str, Sofia
Art
Buy yourself a little painting What: Victoria auction house organises its 15th auction of the works of classic Bulgarian and European painters. When: December 10, 6pm Where: Sredets Hall in Sheraton Hotel, Sofia
ALLA GEORGIEVA, LOVE AND EVIL MINDS What: This is the first solo exhibition by Alla Georgieva since 2003. Born in Ukraine, the artist lives and works in Sofia. When: Until December 20 Where: ARC Projects, 90 Vitosha Blvd, fourth floor, Sofia
ARTCHITECTURA What: Known as a successful graphic artist, with this solo exhibition Robert Barumov reveals a new dimension to his talent, that of a painter. When: Until December 12 Where: Gallery Paris, 8 Parizh Str, Sofia
THE WORLD OF IVANKA SOKEROVA What: Ivanka Sokerova (1926-1993) is a little known artistic figure of admirable stoicism, working only with her left hand, the artist creates ceramic pieces, collages, drawings and writing. When: Until December 15 Where: Sariev Gallery, 40 Otets Paisii Str, Plovdiv
FROM YOUR DAUGHTER WITH LOVE What: Until December 20 When: Iva Yaranova has titled her exhibition Happy Birthday, Mom. Where: 16a Iskur Str (entrance from Budapeshta Str), Sofia
Museums
Archaeological treasures What: A private archaeological collection of special value will be on display for the enjoyment of guests and residents of Bulgaria's Black Sea capital. The treasures belong to the brothers Bobokovi, from Rousse, who had been collecting items for 20 years. When: Until April 2009 Where: Varna Archaeological Museum, 41 Maria Louisa Blvd, Varna
SIEMENS TECHNOLOGY AND ART What: The theme of this exhibition is 130 years of Siemens in Bulgaria, intertwining historical periods with development of the local art scene. Works by Bulgarian contemporary artists such as Ivan Moudov, Boryana Pandova and Krassimir Terziev are displayed. When: Until December 14 Where: Sofia City Art Gallery, 1 Gurko Str, Sofia
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At the birthplace of Ivan Vazov.. 
Cultural Institutes
Art
Museums