A Czech-born Canadian, Mrs. Lea Vivot (*25 February 1948, Horní Temenice), is one of the most signifi cant present-day sculptors and became famous for her bronze sculptures and sculptural groups on benches. She graduated from the Secondary School of Applied Arts in Prague and in 1968, she emigrated to Italy, where she attended courses in sculpture. She later moved to Canada, where she was awarded a Canadian government scholarship for study at the Ontario College of Art. Her artwork decorates, for example, St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town, and the longest street in the world, Yonge Street in Toronto as well as the New York Holocaust Museum in Albany. Lea Vivot works and alternates between living in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. She continues to frequently return to the Czech Republic, where she received the award for Signifi cant Czech Woman in the World in 2003 and the Olomouc Region Award in 2007 for her contribution to culture.

Where would you invite our readers for a trip in the Czech Republic?

I like to visit the Czech Republic; it is my magical native country. I would recommend your readers visit the city of Pilsen, where I was able to organize an exhibition of my sculptures. This West Bohemian metropolis has a charming historic centre with Baroque and Renaissance houses. It is dominated by St. Bartholomew Cathedral, which boasts the highest church tower in Bohemia, and I should not forget the picturesque street which breathes the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Another town worth visiting is the royal town and signifi cant port of Děčín. The dominant feature of the town is the Classicist chateau with Rose Garden, surrounded by rugged gardens and parks. Děčín lies in the heart of the Czech Switzerland National Park, whose beauty is breathtaking. Our country has many magical places, and I am always astonished at the discovery of a new corner. I wish you much success in everything you are planning to do and be friendly not only to each other but also to our nature and culture.

Thank you, Lea, for your inspiring invitation, and let me wish you much success in your life and creative work.

Alice Braborcová