The Bagrena Gallery at the Bulgarica Cultural Center will open its doors for an inspiring artistic event – the exhibition „Ancient Thracian Mastery in Sparks and Colors of Wax Art“
The Magic of Wax and Ancient Knowledge
Welcome to a magical and unique exhibition – featuring acrylic and oil paints, with living materials such as wax and dammar, and mixed media (original encaustic paints), complex techniques in wax art, and sculptural surfaces.
Museum exhibits will also be presented only on that day May 30, 2026., which are by the artist Nelly Tsintseva, copies of paintings by Julia Mineva – master and Dora Nikova – master. All three are masters of artistic wax painting. An original painting by Nina Mravkova – apprentice (student of Nelly Tsintseva).
When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where: Bagrena Gallery / Bulgarica Center
Address: 1120 S Elmhurst Rd, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
The exhibition will last until August 20, 2026.
Live music: Georgi Tanchev and friends
Thracian Heritage
The roots of Bulgaria... They are always there – deeply embedded in our soil, yet also branching far beyond its borders. A nation that settled the Earth at the dawn of human civilization, giving the world knowledge, culture, and philosophy.
The Thracians – ancestors of today's Bulgarians – have left indelible traces of exquisite art that to this day inspires admiration with its technique, imagination, and profound messages.
Encaustic – Timeless Art
Encaustic is a technique in visual art, known since antiquity. Through the energy of wax, it conveys the artist's mental and spiritual world.
To touch upon Thracian art means to feel the magic of a bygone era and recreate it in the present – through imagination, hands, and inspiration. Wax becomes a conduit for this mystery, and each creation – a living link between past and present.
The exhibition features encaustic paintings by Nelly Tsinzeva, Julia Mineva, Nina Mravkova, and Dora Nikova.
We await you! Let's dive together into the magic and messages of ancient Thracian craftsmanship and take a true journey back in time in the footsteps of our ancestors.
For contacts: (708)702-0921 Encaustic Art Neli Tsintseva
Tickets at the venue
Gallery
Nelly Tsintseva is an artist, who works with the encaustic technique, using wax as a medium to create energetic paintings. She believes that through her art, she can purify negative energy, influence the human biofield, and promote inner balance and harmony. Her works combine artistic expression and a spiritual message, aimed at well-being, positive energy, and connection with cosmic power. „Mother-of-pearl“ 12x12x1.5in Encaustic art-Neil Tzintzeva 
(Picture 1)
Painting 2 by Julia MinevaMaster of wax art casting/ is created with the encaustic technique. An ancient technique for wax painting and a story of wax and magic. Julia transforms colorful paintings that bring joy to the soul with unique energetic power.
The painting „The Whisper of Ancient Hues“ by Dora Nikova (Painting 2), inspired by Thracian culture, presents the cycle of life through symbolism and colors. Executed in encaustic, it combines ancient tradition and contemporary art, creating a sense of harmony and spirituality.
The painting „Wings from the Heart“ by Nina Mravkova (Painting 3) is created using the encaustic technique and is inspired by Thracian symbolism and the idea of the soul's immortality. Through color and form, it expresses the connection between love, freedom, and spiritual rebirth, combining ancient heritage with a contemporary sense of beauty.
