SIA “Āboliņkalns”
"Vidus Ramdoti", Taurene Parish, Cēsis Municipality, LV-4119
Cattle for the Cēsis Meat Processing Plant
From natural meadows to art made from hay!
Kristīne Zihmane-Rītiņa is a creative artist and a passionate expert in natural materials who, together with her family, manages natural meadows in Virbu Parish, Talsi Municipality. This environment, with its natural diversity and rhythms, serves as a source of inspiration for her and her partner, Juris Rītiņš, in their artistic work and creative endeavours.
In 2010, Kristīne and her family set up the Straw Museum in Tukums. This is the only museum of its kind in Latvia, housing more than 500 exhibits, including themed collections: gnomes, dragons, birds, witches, mushrooms, exotic animals and large-scale sculptures, such as the 3-metre-tall “Puss in Boots” and the 2.3-metre-tall “Mushroom Mummy”.
Most of the material used in the museum’s works is hay from the natural meadows managed by Kristīne’s own family, which ensures both high quality and a sustainable approach to art-making.
The Straw Museum isn’t just a place to look at – it’s also a place where you can experience the creative process for yourself. Visitors are offered creative workshops where everyone – young and old alike – can learn the skills of making wall and straw decorations. Outreach masterclasses are also organised – a brilliant opportunity to add a creative touch to various events and celebrations!
Kristīne and Juris have jointly developed several technical solutions for the creation of sculptures and puppets, some of which have been patented by the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia. These solutions demonstrate not only their technical ingenuity, but also their ability to develop traditional craftsmanship in a new and contemporary form.
The Straw Museum is a place where natural materials are transformed into works of art, creating a unique experience for every visitor. It offers an opportunity not only to discover the aesthetics of traditional handicrafts, but also to learn more about the value of natural meadows and their biodiversity.
Further information is available on the museum’s website: www.salmulietas.lv.
The Straw Museum and Workshop is situated in the centre of Tukums, a 2–3-minute walk from the Tukums Ice Rink or the “RIMI” supermarket, and a 10-minute walk from Tukums Bus Station or Tukums 1 railway station. Contact number: Kristīne 29495746, [email protected]
The owner of the "Natural Meadow Product" label is Latvian Nature Fund.
The brand was created as part of the LIFE19IPE/LV/000010 LIFE-IP LatViaNature project, with the aim of promoting business initiatives for the sustainable management of natural grasslands.
The project "Optimisation of the Management and Stewardship of Natura 2000 Protected Areas" (LIFE19IPE/LV/000010 LIFE-IP LatViaNature) is being implemented with financial support from the European Union’s LIFE programme and the State Regional Development Agency.
The information reflects solely the views of the implementers of the LIFE IP LatViaNature project; the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information provided here.
EN