Zalipie

Using flower compositions, the women put special emphasis on decorating the wide stoves. Also, they painted flower garlands under pictures and around windows and doors. At a later period they began to paint the exterior of their homes.

Initially, the ornamentation was predominantly geometric with dots, curves, circles, zig-zags, and wavy lines etc. and the materials used were simply those that were most available like brown clay, soot, and lime.

As an adhesive they used milk, sugar and egg whites or dumpling stock. Women painted with brushes composed of horse hair, leather, or human hair; some of these types of brushes were still used up until a several years ago.

The talents of local artists are not limited to wall paintings alone, as they create embroidered and painted furniture coverings, ornamented table clothes, aprons, china, glass etc. Souvenirs are available for tourists at "Dom Malarek" Cultural Center.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult for tourists to find painted houses because the village is very spread out and the decorated structures are far from the main road. Additionally those are not exhibits but real homes. The only object opened to the public is Felicja Curyłowa's farmstead, actual branch of the Regional Museum in Tarnów.

In order to celebrate and expand upon this unique folk art, Tarnów Ethnographic Museum organizes annual contest called "Painted Cottage" which is the best opportunity to see local artists at work. The contest takes place in the spring immediately after Corpus Christi holiday.

Zalipie – Painted village

Its fame has resulted from a region specific tradition that involves the painting of cottages.

see also

Getting there

Felicja Curyłowa’s Farmstead

“Dom Malarek” Cultural Center