Celebrating 30 years of the Split-Dalmatia County, in front of the small church of St. Jere in Marjan, on Friday, September 22, the art colony "St. Jerome", in which as many as 24 artists, painters and sculptors participate, was opened. Goran Balić, Ana Marija Botteri, Duje Botteri, Josip Botteri Dini, Željko Bubalo, Alma Čače, Vladimir Davidenko, Nikola Džaja, Lili Gluić, Karin Grenc, Marko Gugić, Kažimir Hraste, Petar Jakelić, Kuzma Kovačić, Ivan Listeš, Đani Martinić, Duje Matetić, Zvonimir Mihanović, Matko Mijić, Tea Morić Šitum, Hrvoje Marko Peruzović, Dijana Iva Sesartić, Frane Šitum and Vice Tomasović will create artworks inspired by Saint Jerome. These are all eminent artists, established both on the Croatian art scene and abroad.

The colony was organized by the Split-Dalmatia County, University of Split, or its Gallery, as well as Parish of St. Cross in Veli Varoš (part of Split).

Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, Blaženko Boban, opened the art colony saying:

- List of these artists shows that it is the best Croatia has of offer. Everything takes place on this location of calm and it feels wonderful being here.

University of Split Rector, prof. Dragan Ljutić Ph.D. also mentioned great artists participating in this event.

- It is a confirmation of what I often mention, that our University supports science, as well as art as added value. When you think about Croatian artists, you see that 50 percent of them come from this area – he said.

Academic Kažimir Hraste pointed out that the area where St. Jure’s church is located was marked by God and created by faith.

- It is a magnificent environment, because these rocks contain the spirit that created this miracle. That is to say, hermitage is a place where hermits sought peace, and this is what people need nowadays. Therefore, success of an art colony about St. Jerome in this area is a sure thing – he said.

Mihael Prović, parish priest of St. Cross, called for a deeper study of character and life work of St. Jerome, especially referring to his Vulgate, interpretation of Bible that reached us, how to interpret and live the Holy Scripture.

On behalf of Brotherhood of St. Cross, which has been operating for 584 years, its president Frane Peruzović addressed those present. Thanking the organizers, he welcomed everyone, especially the artists, who will donate artworks to the Brotherhood.