Leonardo da Vinci once said that where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art. Michelangelo wanted to carve the angel in marble until he could set him free, and Van Gogh stated that if we ever hear a voice within us saying “you cannot paint,” then, by all means, we should paint, silence that voice.

Art, on many occasions, is a vehicle that transports freedom. It is a balm that relieves stress and for many, it serves as therapy. There is no such thing as something that is not art. The important thing is how it makes us feel. The magic of art can be found in many places: the world’s most exceptional museums, the tallest pyramids in all of Egypt, the lushest landscapes and the most romantic streets of Prague.

In one of the streets of the capital of the Czech Republic, next to the National Museum and a few steps from Wenceslas Square, is one of the places that the ancient Greeks called “arcadia”. An idyllic place that invites you to dream and to be: Art House Atelier.

Its doors open and we discover a studio decorated with paintings of all styles: romanticism, expressionism, classicism, abstract art, realism and much more. Art House Atelier is an art school where painting and drawing courses are taught. The school was founded by painter Marie Sibaiová.

Traditionally, every year the school organizes an exhibition of work of its interns. The exhibition is always very diverse. This year on May 4, Art House Atelier will organize its annual exhibition of its students’ paintings in Novoměstská radnice. You will have the opportunity to see a variety of interesting artwork, from portrait painting and landscape painting to abstract art.

Lovers of oil painting, acrylic, pastel and watercolor will find something to their liking. The trainees reach a professional level under the guidance of experienced lecturers, so you really have something to look forward to. The founder of the school will also take part in the exhibition with her own work.

Admission will be free on the opening day for anyone who wants to enjoy the art, have a glass of wine, chat and listen to the beautiful voice of a soprano singer in the introduction. Up to 80% of Art House Atelier students come to paint as a hobby.

“Here it is not necessary to come with a high level or great knowledge, all courses are suitable for beginners because the important thing is to enjoy the freedom and multiple possibilities offered by a white canvas.”

That’s why we can find students from all types of nationalities and ages; from Argentina to Japan; from 5 years old to 76 years old; art students, beginner students, advanced students, etc. Its walls are full of beautiful artwork, something that reminds us of the art galleries of the Louvre, Belvedere, MoMa… Each of his paintings is unique. We can find landscapes—the most produced—, portraits and even well-known visuals such as Machu Picchu or the views of the Charles Bridge.

The art courses usually have about ten people, with the exception of the children’s art courses which have five students. During the week, all the students learn to be themselves and learn to use painting to represent on a canvas what they have inside themselves.

On weekends, things change. Art House Atelier offers more special art courses, such as learning to draw in the Van Gogh style or to use less usual techniques. Dalí also said something about art: “don’t be afraid of perfection, you will never reach it.”

But you can always try because a blank canvas will always be what you want it to be.