Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Visit of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, to the Jakšić Gallery

Jakšić Gallery had the exceptional honour of hosting the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, who visited in the company of the Mayor of Nerežišća, Lovro Kuščević, and the renowned acting couple Anja Šovagović and Dragan Despot. With great interest, the delegation viewed the gallery, gaining insight into the long-standing work of the Jakšić Stone Workshop and the family’s artistic tradition in stone.

During the visit, the President was introduced to a wide range of our artistic work—from monumental sculptures to smaller stone figures—as well as our most recognisable design product, stone flowers. This original, protected design has been crafted in our family workshop for more than 30 years and carries the “Authentic Croatian” quality label, a mark confirming its originality and national value.

Symbolically, our stone flowers were also part of the stage decoration at the President’s inauguration, highlighting the significance of Croatian craftsmanship and artistic heritage. Hand-carved from white Brač stone, these pieces have found their place in homes, galleries, and public spaces throughout Croatia and abroad.

The visitors explored the gallery enthusiastically, learning about the creative process behind stone sculpting and discussing the challenges and beauty of working with stone—a material deeply connected to the history and identity of Brač. Founded in 1903, the Jakšić Stone Workshop remains one of the most recognisable artistic centres on the island, blending tradition, contemporary creativity, and family heritage.

This visit stands as meaningful encouragement for our future work and confirms the important role that stone art—and the Jakšić Gallery itself—holds within the Croatian cultural scene.