Gala of the Union of Plastic Artists from Romania at Grand Hotel Sofianu, the only hotel - art museum in Romania

The event, which had a real success, took place in the Art Gallery Hall and was broadcasted live on TVR 3 and TVR Craiova. This event marks a new beginning and a normality in the recognition of artistic performances in the visual arts field of the most important Romanian plastic artists.

The awards for the year of 2016 for 26 categories where accorded, which included both creation and recognition of support for visual arts. A Special Prize "Friend of the Arts" was awarded to Mr. Nicolae Sofianu for "consistent investment in contemporary art and the realization of an important collection that is the starting point for a private Romanian contemporary art museum. Mr. Nicolae Sofianu supported many creative symposiums, culminating with the biggest Romanian Contemporary Romanian Salon, organized on a private basis. "The Honorary President of the Union of Fine Artists in Romania, Mr. Alexandru Ghilduş

Among the many personalities who attended the event are also the Minister of Culture, Mr. Lucian Romaşcanu, the President of the Romanian Cultural Institute, Mrs. Liliana Turoiu, the Vice President of the Union of Plastic Artists in Romania, the painter Gheorge Dican, the great writer, Master Dinu Sararu, the philosopher and the prose writer, Master Horia-Roman Patapievici, Rectors and Deans of the Romanian Faculties of Fine Arts, art critics and the most representative Romanian plastic artists.

"I was very happy that Râmnicu Vâlcea was elected, because Râmnicu Vâlcea is Virgil Ierunca's hometown, and he is a mentor for me."

HORIA-ROMAN PATAPIEVICI, philosopher

"I created the Small Theater for the younger generation, at the National Theater I created the young band for the younger generation and we played Caragiale on the stage of the great National Theater, on TV we brought both plastic and theater, all who are big today and plasticists and theater people. I'm glad to be giving this award to the youngest, at my age of 86 years old."

DINU SARARU, writer

"I had great emotions because this event format was not experienced by the Union of Plastic Artists in Romania. I hope to be a beginning for the plastic artists, members of the Union of Plastic Artists in Romania to be put in better value, to win the credibility of the local authorities, to win the land they lost in the 27 years when the power failed to look at their needs."

GHEORGHE DICAN, Vice President of the Union of Plastic Artists in Romania