We asked the manager of the family company Pačinek Glass, Ms. Renata, about this. Our guest editor today is a long-standing supporter of Jiří Pačínek, a leading glass artist specializing in complex artistic projects, including large sculptures and natural elements for garden architecture. In addition to managing the sales gallery at their glassworks in Kunratice near Cvikov, she oversees the company's operations and contributes to the popularity of the unique Glass Garden with her ideas and suggestions.

As every year, they didn't rest...

Ms. Renata needs all ten fingers just to list their activities. They had so many exhibitions that it was almost overwhelming. "For example, as part of promoting Czech glass art, we exhibited in the USA, in Los Angeles, during the summer. The presentation took place at the residence of the Czech consulate, where we were invited by Consul Arnošt Kareš. We were joined by colleagues from the Železnoborská company Halama Glass and Miloš Vacík. Miloš is a versatile artist, painter, musician, composer, and writer, who has been collaborating with Jiří Pačínek since 2019."

"It was an intimate event that was attended by dozens of personalities from among our compatriots living in LA, as well as prominent American guests from the art and business worlds. For example, film designer John Dexter was present, with whom we collaborated on a Hollywood feature film some time ago, for which Jiří created six dozen large original glass sculptures according to his designs," said the manager with a smile, adding:

"We also brought small glass charms from Los Angeles that everyone could personally sign with a diamond pen. It was amazing how enthusiastic everyone was about this little thing." From America to Poland and then to Liberec, Litoměřice, and Prague. Recently, the Pačinek family returned from Krosno, Poland, where they presented their work at the local Center for Glass Heritage.

"We found that Poles are very fond of Czech glass and are surprisingly interested in large-scale projects," said Renata. However, this is far from the end of the exhibition season for Pačínek. At the end of summer, they will present their work at the Botanical Garden in Liberec, and another exhibition awaits them in Liberec at the Vánoční dům (Christmas House), where they will showcase their glass creations in collaboration with Decor by Glassor.

Because the Pačinek family comes from Litoměřice and the Garden of Bohemia is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it was a great pleasure for them to become general partners of this important event. Their glass sculptures and other works of art will adorn the exhibition grounds, cultural center, and Church of All Saints. In 2026, the Pačinek family will conclude with the third edition of the Crystal Garden exhibition at the Botanical Garden in Prague-Troja, which has become famous for its exceptional attendance by both domestic and foreign visitors who admire the creativity of Pačínek's work.

News from the Crystal Temple

As you know, a visit to the Kunratice church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is part of the sightseeing and experiential tourism offered during a trip to the northern Czech Republic to the Pačínek glassworks. Since 2020, this church has also been known as the Crystal Temple and hosts an extensive exhibition of modern glass from the family company Pačinek Glass, including a glass Nativity scene and a second original reliquary of St. Zdislava, which was donated to the Pope in Vatican City.

Currently, visitors can also enjoy the "Colorful Summer" exhibition, which runs until October 31st. The Crystal Temple is open daily at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM." Here are the latest news: a glass pond and other surprises. It's amazing where the Pačinek family finds the time for all their creative plans and ideas. Currently, they have completed the landscaping of the grounds and its complete fencing in the area next to the parking lot for visitors.

During excavation work, the workers discovered an original sandstone well. Its discovery and subsequent restoration led to the creation of new areas in the complex, including a space for a relaxation zone. The entire area was designed primarily to be accessible to everyone, making it comfortable for visitors using wheelchairs or people with limited mobility.

In the new area, there is a "Glass Pond" with reeds, which has become popular especially among children, and also a gazebo where visitors can sit and relax in all weather conditions. Its center features an original table with a glass top, through which visitors can glimpse a small underwater world created from glass sculptures by Pačinek Glass.

The centerpiece of the new area is a mound planted with perennial flowers, among which are smaller glass sculptures. The combination of living plants and glass naturally complements the character of the entire Pačinek Glass Garden. In the park, you can also see two large glass trees – the "Tree of Love" and the "Winter Tree." Underneath the mound is the original kiln, which was renovated by the Pačinek team during the reconstruction.

The newly created space is closed off by four circular relaxation areas with seating. These naturally divide the park without compromising its open and airy character. Visitors can sit, relax, chat, or simply enjoy the surrounding greenery and glass sculptures. And because, at Pačinek's, the completion of one project usually doesn't mean the end of other plans, Mrs. Renata smiles at the end: "Now we are looking forward to a well-deserved vacation. Although I know – we will probably come up with something else. So you have something to look forward to next time."

More information is available at: www.pacinekglass.cz

We thank Ivan Černý for the interview