Since 2018, Herman van Doorn has been travelling to Venice to document Venetian crafts, artisans, their workshops, and their traditions. His years-long project has resulted in the publication of the book “VENEZIA | Traces of the Future”, featuring 150 portraits of people in their workplaces, surrounded by the spaces and tools of their craft.
In addition to these portraits, he also photographed the hands of many artisans at work. Not posed hands, but hands as the primary instrument of craftsmanship. During the Ambacht in Beeld Festival, a selection of these photographs will be exhibited.
In the series “The Right Side Light”, artist Michalina Małolepsza portrayed people from her immediate surroundings, striving to create work imbued with universal symbolism. This is not only about the likeness of the depicted person, but primarily about capturing the atmosphere and preserving the moment.
Her favorite graphic technique, linocut, played a crucial role in this process. In this technique, an image or pattern is carved into linoleum with a gouge and then transferred to the surface with printing ink. The plate used for printing must be created in mirror image.
In this project, Małolepsza explored the unique qualities of linocut: the mirror image as part of the creative process and the direct, artisanal way of working. The technique forced her to think and design differently, ultimately leading to the development of her own recognizable visual language.
Michalina Małolepsza lives and works in Schiedam, the Netherlands. In 2011, she graduated from the Willem de Kooning Academy of Arts in Rotterdam, where she further developed her passion for art and creativity. During her studies, she decided to specialize in traditional printmaking, with a particular focus on the linocut technique. This technique enables her to bring her artistic vision to life in a unique way. The artist enjoys exploring various themes, and her work is characterized by an interest in humanity.
Michalina is a member of Grafisch Atelier Minnigh in Rotterdam and Stichting KunstWerkt in Schiedam, where she collaborates with other artists and continues to refine her skills. She participates in various art projects in Rotterdam, Schiedam and the surrounding area. Her works have been exhibited in many places throughout the Netherlands, as well as in the United States and Poland.
A selection of graduates from the Creative Specialist program at the HMC proudly present their graduation projects.
Photo: Merel Schouten, modular sofa system
The Netherlands Hat Association (NHV) has been active since 2004. The association’s mission is to bring the hat back into fashion, to strengthen the professionalism of the millinery trade, and to support the professional development of hat makers.
This unique association connects around 300 members from diverse backgrounds: professionals working with all aspects of hat-making, hobby milliners, and hat enthusiasts. For all of them, the NHV serves primarily as a platform—offering opportunities for education, training, competitions, and social events.
One example is the annual NHV Hat Day, an event entirely dedicated to hats. Here, members and anyone interested in hats can exchange knowledge, skills, and ideas about hat design and craftsmanship. By organizing competitions and exhibitions, NHV aims to promote the hat and highlight its place within the fashion industry. Since 2006, the NHV has hosted a series of annual hat-making competitions.
The association also publishes Hatlines, a glossy magazine issued four times a year and distributed to all members. In Hatlines you’ll find reports on NHV activities, tips and techniques, interviews, photo spreads of hat events, and more.
At the Ambacht in Beeld Festival, the NHV will showcase the art of millinery and offer a behind-the-scenes look at hat-making. Visitors can see how measurements are taken, how hat blocks are used, and explore the variety of materials and finishes that go into creating a hat—culminating in a custom-made piece. Through demonstrations and conversations about wearing and making hats, the association hopes to inspire festival visitors to appreciate the hat as a true fashion accessory.
Nieuwenhuijs & Peetoom will give live demonstrations of traditional windmill construction.
They will be working on a mill sail and gear wheels, and if you’re feeling inspired, you’re welcome to try it yourself!
Bart Nieuwenhuijs began collecting antique items from Zaan-region windmills and houses as a child and was an active member of the model-building club at Molen Het Pink in Koog aan de Zaan. This early interest sparked his lifelong passion for windmills, Zaan timber construction, and traditional craftsmanship. After completing a carpentry program at a vocational school (LTS), Bart continued his training through the SPB apprenticeship system and worked at De Zeug, a Zaan restoration company specializing in historic wooden interiors. He later completed specialized training in restoration carpentry and a night course in construction management, and in 2002, he founded his own business.
Together with his partner Giel Peetoom, Bart now proudly runs the renowned restoration company Nieuwenhuijs & Peetoom.
They also offer apprenticeships and trainee placements for young people interested in becoming future craftspeople.
Giel Peetoom also discovered the craft at a young age, joining the same model-building club at just ten years old. “Giel started as my apprentice and has now become my business partner. How beautiful is that!” Bart says proudly.
In addition to live demonstrations, Bart Nieuwenhuijs will also give a lecture about a remarkable restoration project.
Giel Peetoom and Bart Nieuwenhuijs. Photo Danielle Lakeman
Festival address:
NDSM Loods
NDSM-Plein 85
1033 WC Amsterdam
Postal address:
Stichting Ambacht in Beeld
Kalf 158
1509AH Zaandam
The Netherlands
