During Bulgaria's difficult transition from communism to capitalism, when people were still queuing in line to buy bread, the idea of opening an art gallery might have seemed a bold step. Yet in 1989, at a key point of change for the country, that is exactly what one courageous woman did.

Dobrinka Maneva, 47, is the owner of the Art-M gallery and hotel in the charming town of Tryavna in the Stara Planina range. She graduated with a degree in chemical science from Sofia University and was heading a research and development department in a chemical factory near the city when she decided to change her life.

"In 1989, my second son was born, and with factories closing I realised I could soon lose my job. After considering various options, I decided to open an art gallery," she says.

The leap from chemistry to art was not as great as the one from socialism to capitalism, however. Maneva's love of art and the culture and history of her home town of Tryavna was instilled in her at junior high school when she worked as a guide for local museums. "Knowing that there were plenty of opportunities for cultural tourism and little competition - at the time in Tryavna there was only one woodcarving shop and one private cafeteria - I decided to open a gallery," she says.

Until 1990 she rented a gallery space in the town to exhibit artwork. But in 2002 she bought a derelict site in the old town plaza opposite the famous Tryavna clock tower. The idea for the gallery, including its architecture, design, and interior - which houses three galleries on two floors, a cafe and cafe courtyard and a small hotel - is entirely Maneva's own. Maneva does not think that anywhere in Bulgaria has a private building been created specifically for these combined functions.

The gallery and hotel blend in perfectly on its corner site with the old town's historical architecture. Inside, the exhibits glow against the warmth of dark marble floors. Neutrally painted walls show the artworks - and furniture and woodwork by local artisans - to their best advantage. Overall, it's remarkable how Art M complements the atmosphere evoked by old Tryavna.

In the rooms upstairs, with their beautiful natural light, blond wood and relaxing ambience, there is nothing that would give a preservationist apoplexy. What you won't find, though, is smelly wood burning stoves and heavy and dark traditional decor. Somehow she had managed to create a light, contemporary feel without damaging the heart of the town for which she is such a great ambassador.

Not that the enterprise has been all easy. "The early years were really hard, first finding the artists I wanted to represent and then convincing them to commit their work to my new gallery. I was a mystery in the art elite. Most big names exhibit art in the major galleries, usually in large cities.As the business grew, I was the one who needed to be convinced to take in art work." This was an indication of how popular the gallery had become with artists themselves.

Winning loyal clients was also tough. Now there are barely any art aficionados in Bulgaria who are unfamiliar with her gallery and Tryavna. She's optimistic about the gallery's future. "The success of the art gallery depends a lot on the artists with whom I work. I hope to continue finding new talent and to be able to organise more great exhibitions, concerts and other events and connect with new clients."

She believes that the municipal authorities have done well to promote Tryavna as an attraction for art, history and culture connoisseurs. "I'm now focusing on the well-planned and organised Slaveikov Days annual fair and celebrations in which my gallery actively participates. I have worked very well with the municipality in organising exhibitions, concerts and matinees acclaimed by artists and guests of our town."

Exhibited in the gallery you will find a wealth of stunning contemporary art ranging from figurative to abstract, from the surreal to the narrative, on canvas, paper and wood, and in the plastic arts like sculpture. There's also work by some of Bulgaria's most renowned icon painters such as Dimcho Dimchovski that can only be seen at Art-M. Dimitar Voinov Jr also works exclusively for Art-M, and the Rusinovi family displays their sculptures there, as well as in France, Germany and Switzerland.

Art-M has also taken part in art fairs and group exhibitions in other parts of the country, and has been given a special award and a diploma for its contribution in presenting the common heritage of Tryavna. The gallery has been taking part in the Salon of Private Galleries at Shipka 6 Union of Bulgarian Artists in Sofia annually since 2000.

"I use contemporary art to present Tryavna in a different light," Maneva says, "and offering something new seems like a logical extension of our local traditions." Her clients, the regular art buyers, are typically Bulgarians who have visited Tryavna in the past and know about Art-M gallery. To a lesser extent, they are also the town's foreign visitors. She believes that foreign guests think of Bulgaria and Tryavna as a cheap destination and are surprised to see this kind of art on their trip.

She says, "But I can say that after 18 years of work in the field I have an established clientele, mostly whom have become my personal friends and visit us on a regular basis."

Maneva says she has little time for interests outside of Art-M because the gallery and hotel are a 24-hour-a-day job, but nevertheless something she loves. "I want to have more time for my family. I hope that they are all happy and healthy and that now that my hard work is paying off I can sit back and relax a bit."

Art-M
20 Angel Kunchev Str, Tryavna
Tel: +359 (0)677/ 2492, (0)677/ 6085
GSM: +359(0)88/ 709 73 73
e-mail: art_m@globcom.net
Web: www.artmgallery.com