"Gardens Of Lebanon. Wood,home,preasence" - 3rd edition was shown in Beirut

3rd Edition of  "Gardens of Lebanon” was fully and officially launched in March 2025. There were no more “ripped” or missing Gardens—this time, all the artworks were finally gathered in Lebanon. Magda personally came to Lebanon, bringing the artworks with her.

This edition was exhibited in Mar Mkhayel, the same location where the fragmented “Ripped Gardens of Lebanon” was shown back in December 2024. But unlike last time, everything was fully prepared—this wasn’t our first rodeo. The exhibition was hosted for just one day at the Cultural Center of Mar Mkhayel, yet it felt like a full celebration.

Magda described the day:

All 34 works by 14 Polish artists finally together! The first full show of the 3rd edition of "Gardens of Lebanon" is behind us. "Wood, home, preasence" - we showed interpreted WOOD, in our somewhat HOME, to show PREASENCE. How much we needed this relief! This joy! The Mar Mkhayel Cultural Center welcomed everyone in the way each individually needed it. Not all places allow it, not all are so open, not everywhere you feel welcomed. Here, yes. Always. In the main hall, an exhibition - time to meet the works of Polish artists, or rather, with the stories they wanted to tell the Lebanese audience. I saw hands that gently touch the paintings, I saw people's silhouettes leaning down to look at them closely. Those with whom we have shared hope for over 4 years came. Those whose looks are new to us also came, as well as guests from the embassy, ​​close to our volunteers. Family. Conversations. Smiles. A moment of peace in the heart; busy thoughts; the feeling that there are others who know about your world, do not want to introduce anything in it, but to accompany you. "Why do you have exhibitions in such a place? What for?" That's why.

Alongside the exhibition, Magda organized a workshop for the young artists of the Young Gardens of Lebanon. Many of these artists came and had the chance to meet the woman who had been showcasing their work in Poland—Magda herself. She has always been deeply committed to the children’s artwork, consistently exhibiting it in various spaces alongside the work of her Polish students.

Magda adds:

I still can't believe what the "Gardens" have become, but I can't hide the fact that for me their most life-giving branch are the art workshops for children. This time they were held at the Cultural Center at the same time, in the room next door. It was the most perfect place for me to spend this afternoon. In the chronology of our project, we first prepare exhibitions of adult artists, then we organize workshops for children and exhibitions of their works. But in reality - in life - it's the other way around - without the "Young Gardens" there will never be any other "Gardens". Without listening to the creativity of a child, there will be no artist whose works will one day move our emotions.

The first children arrived half an hour early. With great joy, I bent the schedule and thanks to this they immediately sat down to free creativity. Little Linda came with her brother. She looked at me in disbelief when I said that I remembered her from the workshops about Wojtek the Bear from 4 years ago. Linda turned her back on me... because she wanted to show me the backpack that we were painting then. The children from the first and second editions of "Young Gardens" came. I know their faces, their names, I remember what they painted during the workshops this and the previous summers. Even if for them "Young Gardens of Lebanon" is only a time of light creativity (and that's how it should be), they left their mark on my heart. Isn't that what art is all about?

I spent most of that afternoon on my knees at the tables where the children were creating; I was surprised by their self-confidence – their free and confident composition of their work, their spontaneity and trust in the process. I wasn’t there to advise or point the way, but to share the joy of the work that had been created. Colourful hands, stickers on clothes and grey marks on my trousers from kneeling on the floor – I was a gardener, but I was only looking after these flowers, because they were already blooming with all their might.

The exhibition day was truly special. We had the honor of welcoming Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, who traveled to Lebanon and stayed for three days just to attend the exhibition. Father Mark, President of Domus Orientalis, and Tomasz Kopytowski, Director of Caritas Łódź, also came all the way from Poland for the event. Members of the Polish Embassy were among the first to arrive, and many from the local parish community also attended.

Parents who dropped off their children for the workshop found themselves drawn in by the art and took time to explore the exhibition. We thoughtfully placed small papers in front of each artwork, inviting visitors to express their feelings and reflections.

Later in the day, attendees had the chance to meet and speak with the Cardinal in a warm, informal setting. Of course, Father Elia, our parish priest, was also present throughout the event.

The exhibition and the workshop each lasted around two hours. The children were given complete creative freedom with the materials provided, resulting in spontaneous, joyful expressions of art. The whole event we called "The Bridge Across The Gardens"

We concluded the event with a small celebration, complete with cake, in honor of several dear members of our Association who shared birthdays that week: Cardinal Grzegorz, Father Mark, Hiba, and Danny. One of our young artists from the Young Gardens even volunteered to help set up the exhibition, making it all the more meaningful.

Magda concludes:

I see the world in images; this Saturday is an image of vibrant life – colorful and joyful in its sincerity – life that is the foundation for the peace and emotion that happened next door – at the exhibition among adults. If I have a choice, I will always choose to accompany children in their creativity – if they allow it. Because my faith in the power of art that can move adult hearts is built on how children use its language.Why do you paint with children in such a place, at such a time? Are there no greater needs? " Well, there are, but they start with that.

Chloe, the Coordinator of Gardens in YBTE adds:

This edition of Gardens of Lebanon holds a very special place in my heart. It rekindled my love for art and reminded me of how deeply connected I am to my work as a fashion student. The ambiance—the music, the art, the stories of the young artists, and the beautiful crowd—was simply unforgettable. It was, without a doubt, the most magical experience I’ve ever lived.I wish this edition would never end. I hope we can take it across Lebanon and the world, so that others can witness even a fraction of the beauty my soul has felt. See you at next edition!”