Crina Ciocian, the founder of Meron Gallery in Cluj-Napoca, is an active presence on the local artistic scene. With a professional background in business, Crina made an inspired transition into the art world. Her passion for beauty and the desire to bring art closer to people were the basis for the creation of the Meron Gallery. In just one year since opening, the gallery has become a vibrant and accessible space. Crina Ciocian enthusiastically shares her experiences and vision, contributing to the effervescence and diversification of the cultural landscape in Cluj-Napoca.

Angela Izvercian: Soon, you will celebrate one year since the inauguration of Meron Gallery. How would you describe this experience?

Crina Ciocian: The last year was intense but rewarding. As an outsider in the art world, I had the opportunity to explore a whole new universe by interacting with many talented artists. My background is in a completely different field, and until a few years ago, art did not occupy a special place in my life. I visited museums like any other tourist, without deep interest.

However, in recent years, I have discovered a growing passion for art and beauty. I started documenting myself, doing research on my own, taking very seriously the role of curator that I assumed. This challenged me to continuously learn and collaborate with specialists, academics from the University of Art and Design or other artists.
The visits to the painting and sculpture workshops, the process of selecting the works, choosing the concepts and how we communicate the exhibitions were incredibly valuable experiences. I feel grateful for this opportunity.

A.I.: What inspired you to open Meron Gallery in the heart of Cluj-Napoca?

C.C.: The idea to open Meron Gallery in the heart of Cluj came from a combination of personal desire and a favorable context. After moving the coffee roaster, we found ourselves in an extraordinary space located in a historic monument building, the Blau Ullmann Palace. This building, with its impressive history and architecture, seemed like the ideal place to create a space dedicated to art. Cluj-Napoca has a vibrant art scene, and we felt we could contribute to it by providing a place where art is accessible and welcoming. My colleagues agreed to this new destination for the space, and thus, Meron Gallery came to life.

A.I.: Could you share the story about the context in which this project took shape?

C.C.: Meron Gallery project took shape gradually as we explored the options for using the new space after the roastery’s move. Initially, we didn’t have a clear idea of what we could do, but as the discussions progressed, the idea of an art gallery became increasingly appealing. Although it was obviously not a rational choice, considering the monthly operating costs, the desire to bring art closer to the people prevailed.
I was fortunate to have colleagues who shared this vision and trusted me to lead this project. The exact moment we decided to open the gallery is unclear, but it was a collective decision based on passion and enthusiasm.

A.I.: The gallery is located in a historical monument building, the Blau Ullmann Palace. What is the significance of this location, and how does it contribute to the identity of Meron Gallery?

C.C.: The location of Meron Gallery in the Blau Ullmann Palace, a building built in 1910, adds a special dimension to our identity. This building is a superb example of early 20th-century architecture, with high ceilings and wide windows creating a light and open atmosphere. We have tried to preserve the historical essence of the building, keeping as many original elements as possible, which adds a sense of authenticity and elegance. This location not only provides an impressive setting for our exhibitions but also helps to create a unique experience for visitors, combining historical beauty with contemporary art.

A.I.: Can you describe how Meron Gallery positions itself on the vibrant local art scene in Cluj-Napoca?

C.C.: Meron Gallery positions as an original and welcoming space, different from traditional museums and galleries. We wanted to create a place where visitors could feel comfortable and relaxed, being able to enjoy a specialty coffee while admiring the art on display. This unique concept allows us to appeal to both art lovers and the general public, creating a deeper connection with the community. We are open daily with no appointments or visitation fees, making us more accessible. We also already have a beautiful audience that knows our Meron brand and has enthusiastically embraced this new artistic direction. Through this model, we manage to give better exposure to artists and contribute to the dynamism of the local art scene.

A.I.: As the founder, do you intervene in the selection of the artworks exhibited at Meron Gallery? What are the selection criteria?

C.C.: Yes, I am actively involved in the selection of artworks exhibited at Meron Gallery. The selection process is rigorous and collaborative. I also consult with specialists in the field, including academics from the University of Art and Design and other artists.
Our selection criteria focus on the artist’s talent, the potential to bring something new and original to the artistic landscape, and the quality of the works. We avoid amateurism and focus on very good artists or those with great growth potential. Although we primarily host paintings, we allocate about 20% of our time to sculptures, photographs, and other types of art.

A.I.: How were the first exhibition projects received by the artistic community in Cluj-Napoca and in Romania? What about the general public?

C.C.: The first exhibition projects were received with great enthusiasm by both the artistic community and the general public. We have received congratulations and appreciation from artists and their representatives, as well as many requests for collaboration for future exhibitions. The general public has also responded positively, visiting us in large numbers and sharing their experiences on social media. This reaction confirmed that we were on the right track and encouraged us to continue to promote quality art in an accessible and welcoming way.

A.I.: What exhibition can be visited at the moment at Meron Gallery?

C.C.: Visitors to Meron Gallery can admire a selection of paintings by Claudiu Ciobanu, an artist from Iasi. This exhibition is made in partnership with Marius Hangan, who has been part of the Artmark team for many years. Some of the exhibited works come from private collections, giving visitors the opportunity to see unique and valuable pieces. The exhibition highlights the talent and artistic vision of Claudiu Ciobanu, contributing to the diversity and quality of our exhibition program.

A.I.: Looking ahead, what are the aspirations for the next 5 years, and how do you imagine the growth and impact of the gallery in the cultural landscape of Cluj-Napoca and beyond?

C.C.: Looking to the future, we want Meron Gallery to become a point of reference for talented artists from the country and maybe even from abroad. We aspire to continue to promote quality art and bring artists closer to the public. We are working on developing an online platform that facilitates the sale of artworks and supports artists to be included in interior design projects.
We want the gallery to significantly impact Cluj-Napoca’s cultural landscape and contribute to creating a deeper connection with art within the community. Over the next five years, we aim to expand our collaborations and become a top destination for art lovers and casual visitors alike.