YOUR PASSPORT TO CONTEMPORARY POLISH CULTURE FRIDAY, MAY 3 MARKET SQUARE • UT CONFERENCE CENTER • EMPORIUM GALLERY
Poland The Polish state is over 1,000 years old. Once regarded as one of the most powerful countries in Europe, today, Poland is still considered to be an economic powerhouse in Europe 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 recognized 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 = 3.2 PLN Famous Poles and Polish Americans include Apple Cofounder Steve Wozniak, business magnate Martha Stewart, Duke Basketball Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Oscar winning director Andrzej Wajda, journalist Barbara Walters.
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 state of the EU on May 1st, 2004, and it most recently served its six-month rotation as the Presidency of the EU Council in 2012. 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.
Polish Printmaking from Wrocław 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Emporium Gallery 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the Preservation Pub Annex
Artists in the exhibition include professors, tutors and students with the Faculty of Graphic Arts and Media Art from the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, Poland. The exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of a variety of printmaking techniques (mezzotint, etching, dry-point, linocut, screenprint, lithograph, digital print) and sources of inspiration employed by the professors and tutors of the Printmaking Department. Additionally, festival, theatrical and social posters by tutors and students of the Graphic Designing Department are represented plus media art from the Media Art Department. The Wrocław Faculty of Graphic Arts and Media Art Exhibition is a part of a Celebration of Polish Culture and the First Polish Constitution. Elements of the exhibition are also being shown at the Preservation Pub Annex on Market Square during PolandNow. The Wrocław School of Printmaking is exhibiting in Knoxville for the second time. The first exhibition took place in 2009, when the Wrocław Academy of Art and Design signed a collaborative agreement with University of Tennessee and the Marek Maria Pienkowski Foundation.
PolandNow Featured Films
8:00 PM - Midnight at the Preservation Pub Annex 9:00 PM at the UT Conference Center “Hania” tells the story of a newly married couple who invites a boy from a children’s home to spend Christmas with them. This extraordinary new person in their home during so special a time forces the couple to reflect on their existing relationship, allowing them to rediscover love. Accompanying the film is a score by world-renowned Polish composer Jan A. P. Kaczmarek. Kaczmarek’s composition creates an atmosphere that is both festive and romantic, punctuating unusual moments in this mysterious fairy tale. The score consists of 18 musical pieces performed by the Polish Radio Orchestra with pianist Leszek Mozdzer. Genre: Psychological Drama, Country: Poland, Premier: November 30, 2007, Director: Janusz Kamiński, Screenplay: Andrzej Gołda
“Weather for tomorrow” tells the tale of Joseph Kozioł, a man who, after 17 years of isolation in a monastery, attempts to return to a normal life and to find a place in his new reality. The world, its customs, politics, and its people have changed, even those closest to him. His wife, younger daughter and son still don’t forgive him for his sudden disappearance. Only Ola, his older daughter, now the star in a reality television show, is happy to see him. Joseph relies on his own set of rules and beliefs, which his family thinks is outdated. Yet, this “old fashioned” way of thinking turns out to be a powerful cure for all problems. This is the film and its director/actor, Jerzy Stuhr, received prolonged ovations at the Festival in Gdynia, adding to Stuhr’s reputation as not only a first rate actor, but also a talented director with a bright future. Genre: Comedy, Drama, Country: Poland, Premier: October 3, 2003, Director: Jerzy Stuhr, Screenplay: Mieczyslaw Herba, Jerzy Stuhr
Live Jazz
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM at Market Square Contemporary Polish culture has fully embraced the musical form of jazz, which highlights one of the many ways modern Poland shares, adopts and integrates the best of world culture into its own identity. In fact, Poland will play host to 17 major jazz festivals this year, with the annual “Jazz at the Old Town Square” in Warsaw ranking as one of the largest. To honor the culture of jazz shared by Poland and America, two jazz bands will be performing on Market Square. Starting at 5:30: The Undercurrents Quartet The Undercurrents Quartet started as a small jazz group at UTK. They have been playing together for nearly a year and have enjoyed delving into a variety of styles, from fusion to straight ahead. The group enjoys playing a variety of material for any occasion. They will be adding the trumpet sounds of Joe Jordan for the May 3rd PolandNow event. William Doran (Piano), Ward Houston (Drums), Marek Rosinski (Guitar), Graham Waldrip (Bass) Baseball the Band Baseball the Band delivers original music that breaks barriers and crosses multiple genres. What do you get when you throw in a little jazz, a bit of funk, a dose of soul and mix it all up? BASEBALL the band is the correct answer! Formed in the Summer of 2012 by players who met in the University of Tennessee’s School of Jazz Program, Baseball the band is made up Nolan “No No” Nevels (Drums), Chuck Mullican (Saxophone), Julius Blue (Keys), Jonathan Keeney (Guitar), “Shakin” Joe Jordan (Trumpet), Clint Mullican (Bass)
Chef Wojciech Amaro
7:30 PM at the UT Conference Center (Reservations Required) Michelin star Chef Wojciech Modest Amaro is one of the most outstanding chefs in Europe. He has developed his skills over many years with famous chefs like Ferran Adria (El Bulli), Yanick Alleno (Le Meurice) and Rene Redzepi (Noma). In 2008, the International Academy of Gastronomy awarded Amaro with the prestigious award of Chef de l’Avenir, and he is the author of the bestselling The Polish Cuisine of the 21st Century, which was awarded the Grand Prix de la Literature Gastronomique in Paris. Throughout his work, Chef Amaro delves deeply into nature to rediscover the secrets of Polish Cuisine. He lists nine inspirations for his work: modern technology, cultivation, animal breeding, fishing, foraging, hunting, food design, food processing, and personal experience. He plans his dishes and menus around a complex system, dividing the possible sources of raw materials into categories — forest, lake, mountain, garden, sea, etc. Then, he makes a list of all the ingredients from each source that are in prime condition during each of the 52 weeks of the year. His signature technique of creating “Culinary Moments,” through the modern method of molecular gastronomy, combines these ingredients by using scientific cooking techniques. The result is a delicious and unforgettable dining experience with unique combinations of ingredients, intense flavors and a bold presentation. Chef Amaro’s Moments (paired with wine) wild salmon / rhubarb / clove jerusalem artichoke / buckwheat / chokeberry guinea fowl / sunflower / green pea spruce / prune / ginger
Chef Edward Nowakowski 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM at Market Square
Chef Nowakowski brings his culinary skills to Market Square on May 3, as he prepares a special menu of appetizers inspired by Polish cuisine and specially paired with a selection of Polish vodkas. 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. 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
Featured Polish Vodkas Belvedere Vodka is distilled exclusively from the finest Dankowskie Gold Rye and quadruple distilled to create the perfect balance of character and purity. Completely additive-free and diluted with water from Belvedere’s own artesian well, Belvedere vodka combines over 600 years of vodka producing expertise with an uncompromising commitment to quality and heritage. Belvedere has a faint hint of vanilla along with gentle characteristics of soft cream. The taste is full and round with medium body and a naturally smooth, rich and velvety texture. Some light vanilla notes swaying between sweet and savory, with a hint of white pepper and spice. Its finish is long with notes of almond, clotted cream, and some faint Brazil nut characteristics. Chopin Potato Vodka has an alluring nose with subtle notes of vanilla and green apple. It is creamy and well-rounded with a reassuring earthiness and a long, clean finish. There are no secrets and no additives in the creation of Chopin Potato. Each bottle contains only potatoes, yeast and purified artesian well water. Chopin Potato is an excellent base for cocktails; served neat or on the rocks, it is unsurpassed. Chopin is consistently rated at the top of its class, earning Double Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Medals from the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute’s International Review of Spirits Award. Sobieski Vodka begins in Poland’s rich Mazowse fields where the golden Dankowski Rye is harvested. This grain has been recognized for centuries for its distinctive character. Crystalline water from Oligocene springs contributes to its silky finish. It is then continuously distilled, creating one of the purest and smoothest vodkas in the world. Sobieski received a Gold Medal, 95-point “Exceptional” rating, and “Best Buy” award by the Beverage Testing Institute.
About PolandNow
Founded by Honorary Consul, Dr. Marek Pienkowski, in 2013, PolandNow is a civic organization associated with 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 Honorary Consuls Honorary consuls are generally dignitaries or persons of position in business and society in the receiving state, while having some connection to the sending state. Honorary consuls are not necessarily citizens of the sending states; rather, they are recognized by the sending states as persons of influence, capable of furthering the objectives of the sending state in the receiving state. Honorary consuls are often called upon to provide back channel information or communications, diplomatic advance team logistics, local reputation perceptions and government relations. Many come from previous careers in trade, business or elected office. Honorary consuls are unique in that they are officials of both the sending state and the host state. Honorary consuls in the U.S. are confirmed by the State Department and issued a State Department Consular ID. For more information, please contact: Marek M. Pienkowski, M.D., Ph.D. Honorary Consul Consulate of the Republic of Poland 7417 Kingston Pike, Suite 205 • Knoxville, TN 37919 Telephone (865) 584-4112 • Fax (865) 588-8140 Email: polishconsulusa@gmail.com PolandNow is thankful for the support from the following: Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Knoxville
PolandNow May 3rd Schedule of Events 5:00 – 9:00 Wrocław Exhibition w/ complimentary hors d’oeuvres at the Emporium Gallery 5:30 – 9:30 Live Jazz, Appetizers, Vodka Presentations on Market Square 5:30 – 8:00 Wrocław Exhibition in the Preservation Pub Annex 6:30 – 7:00 Reception for PolandNow Opening Ceremony at the UT Conference Center 7:00 – 7:30 PolandNow Opening Ceremony at the UT Conference Center 7:30 – 9:00 Dinner with Michelin Star Chef Amaro (Reservations Required) at the UT Conference Center 8:00 – 11:30 Special screening of two Polish Films, “Hania” and “Pogoda Na Jutro” (Weather for Tomorrow) in the Preservation Pub Annex Contemporary Polish art, Polish hors d’oeuvres, vodka, beer, Polish cinema and live jazz will greet visitors on Market Square starting at 5:30, while those interested in PolandNow’s official grand opening ceremony can meet at 6:30 on the 4th floor UT Conference Center on the corner of Clinch and Henley Streets. The ceremony will feature Polish and American national anthems, remarks by city officials, Honorary Consul Dr. Marek Pienkowski and others. Dinner with Michelin star Chef Amaro will start at 7:30 at the UT Conference Center. This one-of-a-kind culinary experience is by reservation only (visit PolandNow.org to purchase dinner) and space is limited. If you aren’t planning to attend Chef Amaro’s presentation, then head to Market Square and enjoy specially prepared appetizers paired with unique Polish vodkas by blue ribbon chef Edward Nowakowski hosted by Oodles Uncorked. The Preservation Pub’s Annex will feature an exhibition of Polish print making from Wrocław (part of a larger exhibition from the Emporium Gallery) along with Polish films. Don’t miss this fun-filled evening as we celebrate the first annual PolandNow event!