katarinamiljkovic66

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Decorating Eggs for Easter

🥚 Activity title: Decorating Eggs for Easter

🥚 Duration and amount: 19th of April, 3 hours

🥚 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

I decided to decorate eggs for Easter since I wanted to help my family, who was preparing the food for the holiday. I wanted to try out different techniques and I took this as a perfect opportunity to do so.

The first technique is decoupage. The eggs are coated in a layer of egg white. Patterns are taken from napkins and then put on the eggs and another layer of egg white is coated on top of them to keep the patterns in place.

The next technique is called marbled eggs. A few drops of different colors are placed on foil. Then the egg is placed on the foil and it is wrapped in it in order for the egg to absorb the colors, resulting in a multi-colored egg.

The third technique uses water stickers. We put a paper sticker on an egg, which we then submerge in water for a short period of time until the paper separates from the sticker that stays on the egg.

~ Reflection ~

This was a very fun but also a very time consuming activity. If I do decide to use different techniques for decorating the eggs I will make sure that someone helps me to make the process less tiresome and more interesting.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🥚 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🥚 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🥚 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experience

🥚 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Planting flowers outside my building ~

🌼 Activity title: Planting flowers outside my building

🌸 Duration and amount: 22nd of March, 3 hours

🌹 Type of activity: activity, service

~ Activity Description ~

My mom and I planted flowers outside our building so that its residents have a pretty sight to look at and that the bugs have fresh flowers instead of overgrown roots, which are essential for their survival.

We first had to get rid of all the unwanted weeds as well as their roots. It was a tough job because not only was it difficult to pull out each and every root there was, but also because the sun was beaming that day, making it harder to work for a prolonged period of time. We had three full trash bags of weed and its roots.

Afterwards, only dirt was left and it was time to put in the potting soil. After making sure that it was evenly distributed, we placed the flowers we got from a local flower shop to see which arrangement would be the best.

After planting the flowers, we watered them and will continue to do so as often as possible.

~ Reflection ~

I really liked this activity and I truly hope that the residents also appreciate the work we put into this! I would do it again, but maybe not on such a sunny day.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🌼 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🌸 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🌹 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experience

🌼 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

🌸 Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ CAS Project: Learning to create digital art ~

🌸 Activity title: Learning to create digital art

🌸 Duration and amount: 3rd of January - 28th of February

🌸 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

I gave myself two months to learn how to create digital art since it is something that I always wanted to do as well as something I will need to know for my chosen college course.

I attended a weekly observational drawing workshop on Saturday, where I practiced drawing from real-life subjects, which helped me learn about form and shadows. I also attended plastic anatomy lessons every Saturday, where I made observational drawings of models, which helped me better understand the human figure, my favorite drawing subject. I did all this in preparation for my project because understanding the foundations is essential if I want to create something from my imagination.

I wrote all my ideas in a Word document and, after exploring each one by finding references and sources I could use in my creative process, chose and focused on 10 of them. The first digital drawing I did was of my own hand. I stared at a photo and tried to copy everything exactly how it looked. I honestly thought that realism would be harder to do digitally, but it was quite easy and I didn't feel as if I'd spent that much time on it either. After that I started working on a landscape digital painting, which can be seen above. I looked at a photo reference I took from my trip to York, Maine.

My favorite artwork would probably be this one, and while the birds were done traditionally using watercolor, the background was done digitally and I couldn't be happier with it. It adds so much more life to the piece and makes it seem even more fun and colorful. I did each artwork one by one and, at the end, compiled them into a portfolio on google forms and shared it on Google Forms so that it's available for my teachers and friends to see it.

~ Reflection ~

While it was definitely challenging to draw every single day for two months straight, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I finally got to learn what I've always wanted to ever since I was a child. This experience has also opened many doors for me, as I've created a portfolio, which I've sent to my chosen universities and got accepted. I am very grateful for the artistic workshop I attended as well as my teacher, who's plastic anatomy classes I attended, since I would not have been able to do this without their help and mentorship.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🌸 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🌸 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🌸 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

🌸 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

🌸 Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ "Spark" Exhibition ~

✨️ Activity title: "Spark" Exhibition

✨️ Duration and amount: 6th of February, 2 hours

✨️ Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

My best friend and I attended the opening of the exhibition "Spark" by Renato Rakic, whose workshop we both previously attended. It was heartwarming to see so many students who also previously attended or were currently attending the workshop who came to support him.

The name of the exhibition "Spark" comes from Rakic's belief that each artist and each individual has a spark inside of them, something that drives them to do what they love and give it everything they've got. With this exhibition, he wishes to inspire the younger generation to follow their passions and to not give up on that spark.

The artworks were mostly abstract pieces bursting with color, which I especially liked to see since having a spark and following your passion usually means having fun and being playful while doing what you enjoy. It seemed like Rakic didn't set any strict rules for the artworks and just enjoyed the creative process, which must've made it even more enjoyable and fun to create.

We had fun trying to find shapes within these abstract pieces and talking about what they reminded us of. This piece, for example, reminds me of some sort of machine or even a mythological creature with wings. I think that is also the point of the exhibition - while the artist may see one thing and have one interpretation, the viewer will see some other thing and have a completely different interpretation.

~ Reflection ~

I am very glad that I got to attend the opening of this exhibition since it taught me that I should be more playful with my art and not fear making mistakes, since they themselves also say a lot about the creative process and the artistic journey of an artist.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

✨️ Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

✨️ Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

✨️ Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experience

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ "Figures in Motion" Exhibition ~

🐎 Activity title: "Figures in Motion" Exhibition

🐎 Duration and amount: 25th of January, 2 hours

🐎 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

My mom and I went to see Edgar Degas' exhibition "Figures in Motion" that was being held at Banja Luka’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Degas experimented with a variety of media, such as pastels, photography, and monotypes. He also loved sculpture since it allowed realistic depictions of subjects he was curious about and he publicly exhibited only a single one, "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen."

More than a hundred sculptures of dancers, horses, and bathers were found in Degas' apartment after he died and these sculptures are now being displayed in this exhibition. It is interesting how, despite making so many of these sculptures, Degas chose not to publicly exhibit them. Perhaps they were very personal to him or he wanted to keep them in his studio and apartment at all times. Or maybe he used them for studying movement and form and that's why he chose to keep them inside his apartment and studio.

The details in his sculptures just make you appreciate how much time and effort he must have spent on each one. Since I myself struggle with the patience of adding every little detail to my artworks, it makes me wonder how some artists are able to do so. I look up to the dedication that Edgar had when making these sculptures.

~ Reflection ~

Overall, I would say that this exhibition has definitely inspired me to make a clay sculpture, which I used for my exhibition. I would say that the process was definitely stressful but totally worth it once you see your creation brought to life by all the small, realistic details.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🐎 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🐎 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🐎 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Making Crinkle Cookies

🍪 Activity title: Making Crinkle Cookies

🍪 Duration and amount: 29th-30th of December

🍪 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

I baked crinkle cookies for my family as a surprise for when they came back from their vacation. One of the reasons that I did this is because I love baking sweets and it was not my first time making crinkle cookies, so I knew what I was getting into. Since New Year's was coming up, I knew we would want baked goods in the house for everyone to enjoy, and since they needed rest, I decided to make things a bit easier for them and bake them myself.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while I was searching for something simple to make for myself since I was really craving sugar. Crinkle cookies are very simple to make and most people would be able to make them with the ingredients they already have in the house. The only tricky part in making them was deciding how much sugar to put in since they are extremely sweet when the exact amount of sugar is added in, which is why I added less this time.

While you could make these cookies in one day, it is recommended that, after mixing everything, you leave the mixture inside the fridge overnight, or at least for a few hours. Last time I made them, I left the mixture in the fridge overnight, but that ended up hardening it to the point that I had difficulty shaping it into tiny balls, which is why, this time, I decided to leave them in the fridge for a few hours instead, which made handling the mixture way easier.

They turned out just how I wanted them to! And they're not even too sweet, which is a great thing. I also added some dark chocolate on the inside of the cookie, which gave it even more flavor and made it even more delicious.

~ Reflection ~

Overall, I am very satisfied with how the crinkle cookies turned out! But what matters the most is my family's opinion and they love how the cookies turned out as well!

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🍪 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🍪 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

🍪 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

🍪 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Taking Plastic Anatomy Classes ~

⏳️ Activity title: Taking Plastic Anatomy Classes

⏳️ Duration and amount: 16th Nov - 21st Dec (once a week for 2 hours)

⏳️ Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

I took one-on-one plastic anatomy classes in order to better my drawing skills as well as my observational skills and anatomy knowledge. I didn't know what to expect when I came to the class on the first day since I didn't know much about human anatomy or drawing a person from observation. But I soon learned it is not as scary or as challenging as I thought it was at first.

I first attempted to draw a skeleton while staring at an anatomical skeleton model. It was interesting to learn about our bone structure since they are the reason why our muscles look the way they do. It is also very useful to learn bone structure because it can help when one draws from imagination to help figure out how big a muscle is and whether it is anatomically accurate.

After that I would look at a model and attempt to draw them as accurately as I can. The most common advice an artist will give you about observational drawings is that you have to draw what you actually see, not what you think you see. This means paying close attention to each line of someone's face or figure, measuring them and trying to replicate them to the best of your abilities.

The classes lasted two hours, and while that does seem like plenty of time to finish one drawing, I believe that I only have two fully completed drawings. This is because so much time is spent carefully and slowly measuring every shape and every line you see when you look at someone. It is a very calming and therapeutic process and I felt as if it also helped me develop a healthier relationship with drawing and creating. I learned that mistakes do not mean the end of the world, that they are the stepping stones that exist to teach us and to help us improve in whatever it is that we are doing.

~ Reflection ~

Overall I would say that this experience was useful not only because my technical skills improved but also because I was able to develop a healthier relationship with the creative process and all the good and bad that comes with it.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

⏳️  Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

⏳️ Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

⏳️ Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Attending International Animated Film Festival ~

🎉 Activity title: Attending International Animated Film Festival

🎉 Duration and amount: 28th of October, 2 hours

🎉 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

My family and I attended the Animated Film Festival 2024 which was held in Banja Luka in Cinema Palas. My mom thought it would be a good idea to go since I'll be studying animation and we'd get to spend some quality time together.

"Mr. Rabbit" is about a man who is torn about his identity due to experiencing heartbreak after seeing his best friend's silhouette in the window of an apartment in which the love of his life resides. He makes up a plan to murder his best friend, which falls short many times and, at the end, after his best friend ends up at a hospital, he realizes just how much he means to him and gives up on it. The irony is that this whole time it was not his best friend in her apartment that night; however Mr. Rabbit managed to learn an important lesson that night: to not assume without consultation and to appreciate his and his best friend's friendship.

"The Family Portrait" is about a family who is visited by their cousins, who come to stay with them for an unknown period of time. The unique thing about this animation is that it's stop-motion which gives it and the events within it, as well as its characters, a realistic feel. As the family faces more and more troubles, it is not shown on their characters but through the state their house is in; as more trouble arises, its walls begin to crumble. In our literature class we learned that the space in which a character exists is a direct reflection of their mental state and this animation masterfully executes this idea, showing how, no matter how much we try to hide what is going on beneath the surface, our true emotional states will find their way to the surface.

"Chronicity" is my personal favorite animation. Despite having no dialogue, the film powerfully conveys the cycle of violence, starting with a seemingly small act, a man killing a fly, and building to something much larger, culminating in the last frame, which shows Gavrilo Princip hiding a gun behind his back. It's a beautiful animation that I believe everyone should watch at least once because of how touching it is and because of the important message that it spreads.

~ Reflection ~

Overall this was a great experience, and it gave me some ideas as to how I would approach storytelling in my future animations. I also learned just how much of an important role one's medium of creating plays, as different mediums convey different emotions, making the message behind each story even clearer and feel even more significant.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🎉 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🎉 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

🎉 Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ "New Era" Exhibition ~

🍃 Activity title: "New Era" Exhibition

🍃 Duration and amount: 1 hour and a half, 10th of September

🍃 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

We, the students of Visual Arts, went to see the “New Era” exhibition that was being held at Banja Luka’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

This exhibition was about the environment and how our actions can affect it positively or negatively. It also showcased the beauty of our nature as well as the chaos that arises within ecosystems due to human negligence. The shirts above are representative of the colors that indicate how polluted an area of land is which I found unique and quite creative.

I believe that this artwork which is made up of many photographs the artist had taken over the years represents the beauty of nature and the beauty of our interactions with nature, which highlights the significant role the environment has in all of our lives.

There are also natural disasters that arise when nature is neglected, such as wildfires. This piece of artwork with its bright and contrasting color palette perfectly encapsulates the chaos that is caused by our own ignorance. It is also very moving and causes a strong reaction because of its color use. Just like how we are able to instantly notice this painting, we should also be able to recognize our own bad habits that harm nature and get rid of them once and for all.

These artworks still ring unclear to me due to the difficult task I was faced with when trying to connect them to the theme of environment. However, one thing is noticeable and present in each of these paintings, and that is the presence of nature, in warm red, in contrast to humans, a deep blue. Nature gives us joy and warmth; it is what we usually find comfort in when there is nothing else to help us. These artworks emphasize the importance of nature in our lives and how intertwined we are with it, no matter who or where we are.

~ Reflection ~

Overall, this was a fun exhibition! I wouldn't say that all the artworks were clear to me in the sense that I was able to immediately tell what they were supposed to represent but even then I had a lot of fun figuring out what these artworks could mean and how I perceive them. If I had the opportunity, I would definitely go again to try and notice things that I may have missed because I believe that there were a lot of hidden details that bring even more understanding and intrigue to the viewer.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🍃 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🍃 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the  process

🍃 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Trip to New York ~

🌃 Activity title: Trip to New York

🌃 Duration and amount: two weeks (30th of July - 12th of August)

🌃 Type of activity: activity

~ Activity Description ~

My mom and I decided to visit my sister and her husband in New York. This was far from my mother's first time being in New York, but it was a first for me. Honestly, I've seen this city so many times in so many different movies that it didn't feel foreign to me whatsoever when I got to see it in person. It looked just like how I expected it to.

We first stayed in Brooklyn, where we had lunch and also where we got to see the Brooklyn Bridge, which is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US. After finishing lunch, we decided to walk around for a bit as we were waiting for a Hudson River ferry to arrive to take us to Manhattan. This was not my first time being on a ferry, but it was fun nonetheless. It was also a bit stressful since the wind was very strong and the ferry was swaying left and right, so you had to hold onto something or someone for dear life.

At dawn, we had reservations for the Rockefeller Center. The view from the highest floor, which I believe was the seventieth floor, was one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. We were so high up in the sky we could even see the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. I've taken hundreds of pictures just to try and capture that beauty to be able to look at it even after the moment had already passed, but no picture could do justice to the incredible view I had the pleasure of seeing.

We went to the High Line and visited the Chelsea Market which is a multi-use building in Manhattan. It is a food hall, a business building, and also a shopping mall all in one. We spent a good while there since all of us were interested in at least one thing this building had to offer. I was personally very intrigued by all the small shops where you could find a bunch of high-quality products from Japan, such as clothes, accessories, and even stationery. The bookstore also possessed a lot of goodies, and I decided to get a few pins for my friends.

We also went to the Grand Central Terminal which is one of the busiest train stations in the world. It is considered magnificent by many due to its spaciousness but also because of the beautiful architecture. On the ceiling is a celestial mural depicting a map of the constellations, and a clock, which is above the information booth, that is worth over $20 million which speaks of its value.

My favorite part of New York would probably have to be Times Square. An obvious answer, I know, but I can't help it. The big screens and the performers that show up every night, the huge crowds, the life of it all is what makes it special. Right at the beginning of Times Square there were these small shops, and one of them had claw machines with cute stuffed animals as prizes. Of course I had to give it a go and I managed to win myself a cute bunny plush!

~ Reflection ~

All in all, this trip was amazing, and getting to spend it with my family made the experience even more priceless. By the end of our trip my legs were basically falling off due to how much we walked, but it was definitely worth it, and I would do it all over again if I got the chance to!

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🌃 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🌃 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the  process

🌃 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

🌃 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Trip to Vienna ~

🍦 Activity title: Trip to Vienna

🍦 Duration and amount: 26-28th of July, 3 days

🍦 Type of activity: activity

~ Activity Description ~

My partner and I went to Vienna for our one-year anniversary. The reason why we chose Vienna is because I've never been to Vienna myself while my partner has family there that he wished to visit, but also because he has been to Vienna more than once, which means that we wouldn't have too much trouble navigating ourselves in this city.

We first went to see Schloss Belvedere, which was constructed in the early 18th century, and it is even more beautiful in person. The gates had these gorgeous intricate designs, with each one connecting to another. It was very crowded in front of them due to everyone wishing to take a picture of such a piece of art. 

We then headed to the city's center to find something to eat. Unfortunately, most food places were closed, and the place that caught our attention was closed until 1:30pm. We decided to just wait for the restaurant to open and go shopping in the meantime. We were looking at clothes but also at souvenirs to bring home. Despite not getting much, we had a lot of fun just looking around at all the different things the shops had to offer. We also visited Stephansdom and saw Hofburg. The Italian place we got to eat at was great and perfect since pizza is our favorite food. 

Afterwards, we visited his family and had dinner with them. We were quick to finish our meals because we had made a reservation at a restaurant where we would have some drinks and dessert. This restaurant was unique because it had a 360-degree view of the city, which is, other than the positive reviews, the reason we chose that one. We ended up running a bit late, but thankfully our seat by the window had been free. The view from up there was gorgeous due to the lights that decorated the whole city at night. 

To finish off this eventful day, after leaving the restaurant, we went to Wiener Prater, which is one of the oldest amusement parks in Vienna. We went on the Wiener Riesenrad built in 1897, making it one of the oldest Ferris wheels in the world. Despite my fear of heights, I thought of it as a great way to end the night and a unique opportunity to do something I've never done before. It was very fun and totally worth it!

~ Reflection ~

All in all, this trip was probably the best trip of my life, and the days we spent there were wonderful and so fun. Each moment was amazing, and despite a few problems here and there, I wouldn't change this experience for the world❤️

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🍦 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🍦 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the  process

🍦 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

🍦 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ "State of Statelessness" Exhibition ~

🌐 Activity title: "State of Statelessness" Exhibition

🌐 Duration and amount: 28th of June, 1 hour

🌐 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

My family and I decided to visit the "States of Statelessness" exhibition by Niccolò Masini, an Italian multidisciplinary artist and lecturer with a background in animation and illustration.

Niccolò Masini's exhibition "States of Statelessness" features a series of works exploring territories, statuses, and recollections through experimental place-making. These works interact with various expressive languages, borders, and political displacements, questioning individual and collective responses to the complex realities of geographical affiliations.

Inspired by Masini's recent artistic practices and named after the 4th edition of Errant Journal, the exhibition critiques the harmful fiction of the nation-state and celebrates alternative forms of solidarity and community-building. It explores marginalized perspectives as alternative manifestations of power and resistance. The exhibition reimagines the nation-state, borders, and identity through a new materialist perspective, addressing hybrid conditions of displacement and territorialization.

Through narratives that capture the contours of reality and multilayered trauma, Masini's work delves into different states of territorial belonging beyond traditional notions of time, space, and heritage. The exhibition, building on the themes of "Errant Journal," reimagines the nation-state, borders, and identity from fresh perspectives.

Through his work, Masini seeks to provide a new way of looking at the ongoing processes of migration, the notion of colonization, and issues of economic and political narratives that determine the somewhat uncertain working conditions and the creation of 'new' history.

~ Reflection ~

I thought this exhibition was remarkable in the way that it pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms and inspires us to reconsider the ethical implications of nationhood, territoriality, and the stories we tell about our world. It is a testament to Masini's ability to interweave art, research, and social commentary in a way that is both aesthetically compelling and thought-provoking.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🌐 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🌐 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the  process

🌐 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

🌐 Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Excursion ~

🚍 Activity title: Excursion

🚍 Duration and amount: 25th of May- 2nd of June

🚍 Type of activity: activity, creativity

~ Activity Description ~

After months of seemingly never-ending exams and intense anticipation for a well-deserved summer break to begin, at last, the first day of school excursion had finally arrived. The plan was to visit three countries: Italy, France, and Spain, but I wouldn't have minded if they added one more, just for good measure. 

There were a lot of complaints about the organization of the trip, which I personally didn't have problems with. Sure, when we arrived in some cities, such as Nice, we didn't see much due to how dark it was and how little free time we had. But with how many cities we had visited, it was a welcome surprise that a situation like that had only happened twice throughout the whole trip. Most cities we got to see in their entirety, even getting two to three hours of free time for whatever activities we wished to do. 

Having already been to Barcelona, I didn't share the same amount of excitement about going there as my friends did, but I was excited for the free time we would get there. I had planned to buy presents for my family and partner, and I had no luck up until that point, so I was hoping my luck would change, and it did! I got my mom spices that I know she likes and my partner a small replica of the infamous Sagrada Família.

The hotels were all great, and the quality of the food that was served was delicious! While the Lloret de Mar hotel had the most choices to pick from, the most delicious food was served in the last hotel near Verona. They had all sorts of tasty pastries to choose from for breakfast, and while that might not have been ideal for those who don't have a sweet tooth, it was perfect for me :>

The weather was nice for most of the trip, except when we visited Genoa. It was raining for the first hour, so me and my friend entered a bakery shop to wait for the rain to stop, but also because we were getting really hungry. We ordered the city specialty, Focaccia, which is a flatbread either plain or with ingredients such as olives, onions, or rosemary. This city also had a candy shop in which I was able to buy caramels for my mom since she loves them.

I can't stress enough just how much I absolutely loved our visit to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. Each room of the museum was unique, with each one having different ideas presented using different art techniques. I took pictures of most, if not all, of the art works that I saw because of it, but my favorite were the ink drawings of weird and original characters in the hallways. They had a certain charm, and by the lines on the drawings, you were able to tell just how professional they are and how hard it would be to even try replicating them, let alone coming up with ideas similar to those. 

While I really can't complain about any of the cities that we visited, with each one being beautiful in its own way, I have to say that my favorite city that we visited was Verona. It is not as big as Barcelona, and I like that about the city. It is extremely beautiful with the Arena di Verona, Via Mazzini, and Castelvecchio. The most beautiful was, of course, Juliet's house and her statue. The walls of her house had so many names and initials written on them of couples, and I barely managed to find a blank spot to write our own. The shop beside the house was so amazing, I'm pretty sure I spent a good 40 minutes inside, which my wallet can also attest to me doing.

~ Reflection ~

This was such a wonderful, once-in-a lifetime experience that I will never forget! Each day was filled with fun activities and hangouts that I will always remember and look back on fondly. I am beyond thankful to everyone who helped organize this trip, and I hope that the next generation has as much fun on their excursion as we did on ours!

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🚍 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🚍 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🚍 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Pecka Trip ~

🏕️ Activity title: Pecka Trip

🏕️ Duration and amount: 26th - 28th of April

🏕️ Type of activity: activity

~ Activity Description ~

My teachers, classmates, and I went on a trip to Visitor Center Pecka, where we got to spend time in nature, go hiking, and, as someone who's never gone hiking before, I got to learn about the techniques and ways through which I was able to keep balance and not fall, no matter how rocky the trail we walked on was.

The visitor center we were staying at was pleasant in every sense, with good food and clean rooms. We were staying inside the center itself, but a lot of tourists were staying inside wooden cabinets that were scattered around the area surrounding the center. There was also a playground behind the building, which brought me joy for one sole reason, and that reason can be explained using one word: swings. 

The center also had a few dogs and cats, and while the cats mostly kept to themselves, the same couldn't be said for the dogs. They were always on the move, looking for their next victim, the next pat-provider. They were extremely cuddly, but also extremely smelly. I like to think that their "unique" scent added to their charm. They were also shown to be amazing guides, leading us to our destinations before our human guide had shown up. Perhaps they were the real guides all along.

During our three-day stay, we got the chance to see three different river sources. I most clearly remember the Sana River source due to it being the only source I had seen up close. The reason for this is that all other sources had a very tricky downward staircase made of huge wobbly rocks that would start to either tip extremely left or extremely right depending on your footing. In other words, I would have ended up taking a swim. I didn't take my chances and only took my chance at seeing this one source since I didn't wish to miss out on every single one. 

One other memory that stuck in my mind is that of a large cave at which more than half of our class decided to give it a shot at climbing down with the help of our guide. It honestly looked quite scary from where I was standing, and while I admired them for their courage, my heart was a hair away from giving out every time I'd see one of them stop in their tracks for more than a minute. Most of them later on said that they were shaking at some point, which I'm not surprised by whatsoever, but thanks to the wire on the wall that they held onto the entire time, nothing bad had happened and no one was injured in any way.

~ Reflection ~

This was a unique experience, and a bit frightening at that. With my fear of heights comes the fear of losing my footing while walking down a rocky trail and falling, so I got to face one of my fears. We hiked over 10 kilometers that day, which is way more than I thought I was capable of enduring, and while I have been out of breath for the following 20 minutes after we made it back, it has really boosted my confidence and self-esteem to know that I am capable of such things when I push myself to my limits.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🏕️ Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🏕️ Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🏕️ Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

🏕️ Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ "Color as Light - Contemporary Byzantine Painting" exhibition~

🖌️ Activity title: "Color as Light - Contemporary Byzantine Painting" exhibition

🖌️ Duration and amount: 25th of March, 2 hours

🖌️ Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

My family and I decided to visit the "Color as Light" exhibition made by George Kordis, a Greek artist whose works are easily recognizable due to his distinctive style in modern Byzantine iconography.

Most of his works were done using egg tempera, ink, and digital media. He has created paintings on walls, wood, stone, canvas, handmade paper, and a tablet computer depicting saints and Byzantine figures, as well as Divine Economy-directed events.

What makes his art stand out so much is the amount of intricate detail that is put into every artwork. Not only that, but the colors that are used are also greatly correlated with the overall theme of the exhibition. The pieces that were made using egg tempera have almost an "ethereal glow" to them compared to other artworks, which makes the color combinations used for these pieces nothing short of genius.

We're then able to compare these pieces, which have a light motif, to digital artworks which, in contrast, possess a dark motif. Not only is this visually appealing, but it can also be used to send a message. How I see it, they represent the darker part of human nature, one that is not enlightened and has yet to find its purpose and place in this world.

I mentioned how recognizable George Kordis is as an artist due to the intricate detail all his pieces possess. This intricate detail is most emphasized through the ink illustrations, which consist of many perfectly drawn lines. These drawings, while being extremely precise, also come across as playful, which is a hard effect to get, but one that Kordis nails.

~ Reflection ~

This exhibition has been an eye-opener for me in more ways than one. I got to learn about many different techniques and how those techniques can be used to further accentuate a concept or an idea of the artist in a subtle way. I will definitely take some inspiration from these artworks while deciding on what my own artwork should look like. Overall, this was a perfect idea with a perfect execution.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

🖌️ Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

🖌️ Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

🖌️ Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ "Process" exhibition ~

💻 Activity title: "Process" exhibition

💻 Duration and amount: 23th of February, 2 hours

💻 Type of activity: creativity

~ Activity Description ~

Due to my interest in graphic design, I decided to visit the "Process" exhibition, which was being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Museum Day. It was part of a four-year project called "ReCulture: Rebranding of Cultural Institutions of the Western Balkans," which was made within Creative Europe. 

This exhibition was used as a way to unveil the new visual identity of the Museum of Contemporary Art, alongside the visual identities of other cultural institutions that were involved in this project, such as the Trebinje Cultural Center, the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection, and the Art Colony Danilovgrad. The goal was to show how modern visual language communicates effectively with the public and how it can elevate the value of the institution’s heritage in both regional and international ways.

The first part of the exhibition shows many different posters that are different in their design and purpose. The young designers that worked on this exhibition decided to put in their works and showcase the uniqueness and creativity that go into making each one. My favorite one has to be "Schwanensee," which translates to Swan Lake.

The second part of the exhibition consisted of pictures that showed the process of making it. The design in the picture represents the multiple cultures that came together to make this project a reality. I think it also symbolizes how art is able to bring different cultures closer together. It is the one thread that connects all of us, regardless of our story or background. 

The new visual identity of the Museum of Contemporary Art was presented through these clocks. The choice of a watch represents the passage of time. The ten arms that make up the logo are organized relative to the golden section and get thinner with time. The final arm stops at nine o'clock, and the quarter of an hour that is missing symbolizes what is yet to come.

What is unique about design as an art form is that, through color, typography, and layout, it has to convey a clear message that is visually communicated to the consumer. This is why, in today's world, graphic design has so much application, which only seems to grow with the development of technology. It allows creativity while also having practical use in the making of a product, which is why I see graphic design as a potential future career path.

~ Reflection ~

This was a very unique exhibition to visit. Not only did I get to enjoy the colorful designs, but I also got to learn more about the process that goes into making them. One thing that I now know for sure is that teamwork is essential when working on bigger projects such as this one. It is also not something to avoid because working with other people can help us grow and even inspire us to undertake challenges we never faced before, whether they be personal or work-related. Either way, I'm very happy with my visit, and I hope to see more exhibitions like this in the near future.

~ Learning Outcomes ~

💻 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

💻 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

💻 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

[katarinamiljkovic66]

~ Trip to Sarajevo ~

❄️ Activity title: Trip to Sarajevo

❄️ Duration and amount: 15th - 16th of January

❄️ Type of activity: activity and creativity

~ Activity description ~

My family and I decided that, since my sister and brother-in-law had never been to Sarajevo before, it was the perfect opportunity for all of us to go this winter break. As you can see from the picture above, the place was beautifully decorated, with fairy lights to be seen lighting up every corner of the city. This is the reason why everyone visits during the holidays.

Although it was freezing cold outside, we tried to walk around as much as possible, only taking breaks every now and then by sitting at a nice restaurant or a nearby coffee shop. One coffee shop that stayed with me throughout this whole trip was Andar. The owner's father and grandfather were shoemakers, which explains the shoe decorations that are to be found on every wall and ceiling.

It was a family business, and the owner was expected to take after his father and grandfather and also become a shoemaker, but there was one factor that stopped him from doing so. Times were changing, and the need for this craft was way less than it used to be, which is why he decided to continue family business in his own way, by creating something new. And that something was this coffee shop that serves traditional Bosnian coffee.

Another vivid picture that comes to mind when I think of beverages is the locally infamous Dzirlo Tea House, where they serve 25 different types of tea. The shop, owned by Husein Dzirlo, had been built by Dzirlo's father 50 years ago. The father was a carpenter, and he told Dzirlo's brother that he should follow in his footsteps and keep the family business of carpentry, while Dzirlo should open a tea house.

Dzirlo was confused by this and asked him why a tea house. His father then told him about his uncle, who had a tea house between two wars that took place at that time. He emphasized the importance of having a place where "the nice world" could gather, which included doctors and passengers, as well as people with honorable titles. These two stories struck me as strangely alike. Both of these families were primarily focused on upholding the family business, and with how the times have changed, so have their businesses, but that family element stayed the same.

An amazing sight that I will never forget was the one my family and I saw from the top of the Jekovac cliff. From that point, we were able to see so much of the city! Everything was covered in a coat of white snow, which made the sight even more beautiful. From there, we were able to see the exact place where the 1984 Winter Olympics were being held. My mother got to attend this event as a child.

Aside from being a sight-seeing place, the Jekovac cliff is also the place from which a cannon is fired during the Muslim month of Ramadan. The firing of this cannon marks the time of sunset and the breaking of the day-long fast for Muslims.

~ Reflection ~

I don't think that I've ever been on a trip better than this one. I have to say that I enjoyed every second that I spent there. All the freezing we had to go through was definitely worth it in the end. But maybe my favorite part of the trip was when my sister and brother-in-law admitted to not only liking Sarajevo but also it being one of their favorite cities that they ever visited. I don't think any other feeling can compare to the happiness I felt at that moment because of them!

~ Learning Outcomes ~

❄️ Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

❄️ Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the  process

❄️ Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

❄️ Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences