YOUR PASSPORT TO CONTEMPORARY POLISH CULTURE FRIDAY, MAY 2 - PIENKOW GALLERY SATURDAY, MAY 3 - MARKET SQUARE
Poland The Polish state is over 1,000 years old. Once regarded as one of the most powerful countries in Europe, today, Poland is considered to be one of the healthiest of the post-Communist countries and is currently one of the fastest growing within the EU. Having a strong domestic market, low private debt, flexible currency, and not being dependent on a single export sector, Poland is the only European economy to have avoided the late-2000s recession. Poland is a member of the EU, NATO, and the UN. Poland is rich in natural mineral resources, including iron, zinc, copper and rock salt. The Polish banking sector is the largest in central and eastern Europe as well being the largest and the most highly developed sector of the country’s financial markets. Poland is recognised as a regional economic power within Central Europe, possessing nearly 40 percent of the 500 biggest companies in the region (by revenues). Official Name: The Republic of Poland Language: Polish National Anthem: Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (Dabrowski’s Mazurka) Capital city: Warszawa (Warsaw) Total area: 312, 679 km² (120,726 Mi²) Population: 38.5 million Currency: Złoty (PLN): $1 = 3 PLN Famous Poles include the astronomer Copernicus, the composer Chopin, the scientist Maria Curie-Skłodowska, film-makers Roman Polanski and Krzysztof Kiesłowski, and the late Pope and recently canonized, John-Paul II.
The European Union
Poland joined the EU on May 1st, 2004 The European Union was created in 1958 in the aftermath of the Second World War. Its first steps were to foster economic cooperation: the idea being that countries who trade with one another become economically interdependent and so more likely to avoid conflict. Today, the EU is a both a unique economic and political partnership between 27 European countries that together cover much of the continent. Poland became a member of the EU on May 1st, 2004. The motto of the European Union is “United in diversity”, or in Polish, ‘Zjednoczeni w różnorodności’. It signifies how Europeans have come together, in the form of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by the continent’s many different cultures, traditions and languages. In 2012 the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the causes of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. The EU budget is funded from sources including a percentage of each member country’s gross national income. It is spent on efforts as diverse as raising the standard of living in poorer regions and ensuring food safety. The euro is the common currency of most EU countries. The euro is the most tangible proof of European integration – the common currency in 17 out of 27 EU countries and used by some 332 million people every day. Poland has not yet adopted the Euro and still uses its own currency, the złoty.
Agnieszka Żak-Biełowa May 2, 5:00 PM at Pienkow Gallery
Artist Agnieszka Żak-Biełowa is a native of Warsaw, Poland. Her early training included studies in 2001 at the Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art in Warsaw’s Academy of Fine Arts. Then, after studying abroad for two years at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brerra in Milan, Italy, she returned to Warsaw to complete her fine arts training in the studio of professor Jarosław Modzelewski and graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in 2007. In addition to receiving her diploma, Ms. Żak-Biełowa also received recognition with honors in the Art In Public Space program run by Professor Miroslaw Duchowski. Ms. Żak-Biełowa was winner of the competition for a solo exhibition at the 6th International Festival of Arts “Inspiration 2010” in Szczecin, winner of the competition for a solo exhibition at the X International Festival of Arts Experiment 2010 and winner of the financial grant of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, 2010. Ms. Żak-Biełowa has served as a lecturer in Drawing and Painting in the Art Studio of the Post-Secondary School of Art in Warsaw. She has also worked as a professional photo editor, illustrator and cartoonist with the Grandes Kochonos advertising agency in Warsaw. Ms. Żak-Biełowa’s paintings have been shown in exhibitions in Warsaw, Poland; Milan, Italy; and Berlin, Germany. Her exhibiton in the Pienkow Gallery marks her American debut.
Soulfinger
May 3, 5:00 PM at Market Square On Saturday evening join us for great live music with Tim Spencer and Soulfinger, the self-described “keepers of SOUL: those who bare the torch that brings the flame to a new generation to light the fires of FUNK.” In addition to leading one of Knoxville’s favorite bands, Spencer, who himself has Polish heritage, will also serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies for the opening ceremony at 5 PM, so get to the square early, and help us welcome former Knoxville Mayor and Ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, Knoxville city and Knox county officials to the celebration. Then, help yourself to great contemporary Polish food, beer and soft drinks, and set your soul free to the sounds of Soulfinger. Brush up on your Polish trivia and win a T-shirt and other prizes during Soulfinger’s performance! Band Members Tim Spencer - vox, Keys Jamie Meade - Guitar Pee Jay Alexander - Trumpet Antoine Williamson - Trumpet Dave Eckman - Saxophones Chris Cureton - Bass Deontea Mitchell - Drums
Chef Edward Nowakowski
May 3, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM at Market Square Chef Edward Nowakowski came to the U.S. via France, with three years of Culinary School, a European Master Chef Diploma and numerous awards for Garde-Manger work under his belt. Chef Edward seized the opportunity to open several new Hotels; include Hyatt N.Y. Four Seasons in Dallas TX, Hilton Hotel Virginia Beach VA, and many more, as well as Holiday Inn at the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality & Resort Management. As a Chef and Certified Director of F & B Services, he is responsible for Food & Beverage operation at the Holiday Inn as well as at Fogelman Executive Center at The University of Memphis. Though trained in classical components of French and South-Eastern European cuisines, he adapts his cooking to the local area where he works, and prepares a superb quality of Continental cuisine exquisitely presented in the elegance and romance of an intimate setting in “Medallion” Ristorante. Chef Nowakowski is returning to Knoxville this year to bring his culinary skills to Market Square, as he prepares a special menu of dishes inspired by Polish regional cuisine, “Poland By Regions.” SOME OF CHEF EDWARD’S AWARDS and HONORS: • • • • •
113th Annual Salon of Culinary Art Show 1981 New York; Gold Medal (team work) T.C.A 10th Culinary Art Show 1983 Houston Blue Ribbon and First Prize Trophy The 6th Annual Culinary Art Salon 1985 two Bronze Medals. (Credited by CIA) 1st Annual Culinary Art Show Virginia Beach VA. 1987; Best of the Show Great Chefs of Hampton Roads Competition 1991; A First Prize
Poland By Regions Masovia (Mazowsze) - Main City: Warsawa The Polish region in the Warsaw area is called Masovia. Here we have an interesting situation. The typical approach to cooking in this region is very modern, due to the many foreign influences since the 16th century, when the Polish capital was moved to Warsaw. On the other hand, the region’s menu is defined as the representation of old Polish food traditions. Because of the abundance of forests and wilderness areas, a cuisine based on fruit and meat has developed. Some of the most popular dishes feature roasted lamb, veal and, of course, venison with juniper. As an addition to these meat dishes, we have ċwikła (stewed beetroots or beetroot with horseradish). Often, berries, blueberries, cranberries and other fruits of the forest are added to these dishes. Polesia (Polesie) - Main City: Lublin Polesia is located at the crossing of the Bug and Prypiat River Valleys. The whole region is characterized by a great number of lakes (62 in Poland and 28 in Ukraine). The area is also considered to be an important cross-point for migratory birds. The northsouth flyways (migratory birds’ passage) and east-west latitudinal migration of birds meet in Western Polesie. Just like the avian migratory cross-point, the Polesia Region has long been a cross-point for different cultures, nationalities and religions, such as Roman Catholic, Orthodoxian, and Judaism. This diversity has resulted in an equally diverse architecture (the region attracts many visitors because of its religious architecture) as well as a diverse cuisine. Examples of this region’s food include Zupa borowikowa z łazankami (Boletuses soup with noodles), Forszmak Lubelski (pickled stew with tomato, pickles and sour cream served in a bread cup and Polędwica Nadwieprzanska (regional style pork tenderloin on potato pancakes with horseradish sauce).
Lesser Poland (Małopolska) - Main City: Kraków The biggest city of Lesser Poland (Małopolska, south east of Poland) is Kraków. This is probably why most of Lesser Poland’s food is related to its name. One can notice some influences from Austria, and that’s where Viennese schnitzel comes from. This popular dish is known in Polish as kotlet schabowy, and is highly appreciated everywhere in Poland. One of characteristic Krakow’s meat dishes is an excellent tripe (flaki aka flaczki) and ‘Sop’, a kind of dense soup, or rather sauce, made from loins or collars, bread and cumin sauce. There is also the famous Kraków duck served with mushrooms and buckwheat, and traditional Lesser Polish sausages like Lisiecka or Krakowska sausage. Moreover, Kraków, the beautiful capital of Małopolska and former capital of Poland, has a highly developed tradition of bakery. Here, a prominent place is reserved for buchts (nut rolls stuffed with jam and Jewish bagels with poppy seeds, sesame seeds or salt (known as pretzels). Kuyavia (Kujawy) - Main City: Bydgoszcz Kuyavia (Kujawy) is located between KashubiaPomerania and Greater Poland. The region is rich in lakes (more or less 600) and large forests. In the culinary tradition of Kuyavia, one can find many influences by its neighboring regions. The menu is dominated by fish dishes as well as numerous food made from mushrooms and berries. Moreover, baked, stewed, fried and cooked poultry (mainly ducks and geese) is highly esteemed. One of the more famous dishes in Kuyavia is a soup made from goose blood mixed with some dried fruits. This dish, somewhat of a regional curiosity, has been present in Polish culture for ages. For example, it has been referenced in many works by Polish authors. Thus, combining both fish and meat and using fruits and nuts as additional ingredients, is a main characteristic feature of the Kuyavia cuisine.
Silesia (Śląsk) - Main City: Wrocław Silesian cuisine is the most conspicuous among all Polish regional traditions. It is very tasty, but it also uses much fat and has more calories than are usually needed. Silesia is probably the homeland of żurek, one of the most characteristic traditional Polish soups. Żurek, also known as żur, has a silky texture and a slightly sour taste. There are two kinds of this soup. One is Lenten, cooked in vegetable broth with potato and dried mushrooms. The other one has a lot of ham, white sausages, carrots and sour cream. Most people add some marjoram to the soup. However, some claim that it spoils the taste. Another delicious flagship food is called kluski śląskie (Silesian dumplings), made from potatoes and potato flour by rounding on a table and pressing a characteristic hole in the middle. Silesian dumplings are eaten as an addition to meat dishes, usually with sauces (e.g. goulash) or salads. Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) - Main City: Poznań The region called Wielkopolska (Greater Poland) is strongly linked with potatoes, specifically pyzy, which are potato dumplings stuffed with meat or sauce. This delicious dish was present in almost every house in the region and now is popular throughout Poland. But potatoes and potato dishes are not the only one strength of Wielkopolska. Another well known dish is onion soup, usually served with handmade noodles and fried onions. Roast duck with apples (often with the addition of cumin) is another specialty. November 11 is known as Dzień Świętego Marcina (St. Martin’s Day). This is a very important day for people from Poznań (Greater Poland’s major city) and features an organized procession from St. Martin’s Church to the imperial castle. During the procession, everybody eats St. Martin’s croissants. These have a horseshoe shape, are covered with a liqueur and sprinkled with orange peel. These croissants have a sweet middle of ground almonds, dates, white poppy seeds, vanilla, sugar, cream, raisins and butter. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
About PolandNow
Founded by Honorary Consul, Dr. Marek Pienkowski, in 2013, PolandNow is a civic organization associated with the the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Knoxville in partnership with the City of Knoxville and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. PolandNow is dedicated to promoting and strengthening Polish-American cooperation and friendship.
About The Founder
Marek M. Pienkowski, M.D., Ph.D., a native of Poland and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Tennessee was educated in clinical immunology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Dr. Pienkowski has been serving patients in East Tennessee with allergies, asthma and immunological disorders for almost three decades. Active both in biomedical research and academia, he has published more than sixty scientific papers as well as two books. Dr. Pienkowski has been engaged in propagating cultural, artistic, business and scientific dialogue between East Tennessee and Polish communities since the early 1990s with Sister Cities International program, Friendship Force and University of Tennessee/Polish university student and professor exchanges. In addition, he has been presenting Polish art to East Tennesseans in his local Pienkow Gallery for several years. His professional and social activities have brought him numerous recognitions, including the Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom, Commemorative House Joint Resolution in the State of Tennessee, Colonel in Tennessee and Kentucky and Physician of the Year by the NRCC Physicians Advisory Board.
About The President Eva Nations was born in Gdańsk, Poland on March 13, 1976 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1991. A naturalized U.S. citizen, Nations has become the model for the American dream. In 1999 she received her B.S. in Biology and Chemistry, graduating with honors, from Emory University. While in school, Nations worked her way up to the executive level in a small service industry business, helping to grow the company into a million dollar business by the time she graduated. In 1996 she was chosen by the Dean of Emory University to serve as a personal greeter and translator during the Summer Olympics, working alongside then President of Poland, Aleksander Kwaśniewski. After graduation, Nations established one of the most successful dental practices in East Tennessee. Her reputation as both a treatment and business consultant helps both patients and business owners find solutions for success. The proud mother of three children, ages 10, 12 and 14, Nations has most recently worked to establish Knoxville Parent magazine, a free monthly publication dedicated to educating parents on the issues of student education, health, well-being, safety and culture. In 2013, Dr. Marek Pienkowski approached Nations to assist with the first annual PolandNow festival. After organizing a successful event, Dr. Pienkowski appointed Nations to the position of President of PolandNow. Nations’ interest in sharing contemporary Polish culture with her fellow Knoxvillians and her passion for education makes her appointment a perfect fit. PolandNow is thankful for the support from the following: Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Knoxville