Kitsas Galerii: Where Art, Ambition, and Dialogue Meet in Tartu
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Hidden on a quiet street in the heart of Tartu, Kitsas Galerii stands as one of Estonia’s most dynamic creative spaces — intimate in scale, but expansive in vision. Behind this elegant gallery are two women whose expertise and energy have turned it into a hub of conversation, creativity, and connection: Merike Mätas and Sirje Sirita Somelar.
Together, they represent a new wave of cultural leadership in Estonia — where art meets entrepreneurship, and where ideas flow freely between artists, thinkers, and audiences.
A Modern-Day Art Salon
Kitsas Galerii, located at Kitsas tn 5 in Tartu, describes itself as “a place where art knows no boundaries and takes no sides.” It’s a contemporary art gallery in spirit but feels more like a living room for creative minds. Every exhibition is curated with intention — not only to showcase visual work, but to create a space for dialogue and emotion.
Visitors often speak about the atmosphere — the way light interacts with paintings, the way conversations unfold between strangers, and how art feels both accessible and profound. The gallery’s programming often highlights Estonian and international artists alike, with an emphasis on authenticity, experimentation, and connection.
In many ways, Kitsas is reviving the European salon culture — a place for aesthetic exchange, intimate gatherings, and philosophical exploration.
Merike Mätas: The Visionary Strategist
Merike Mätas brings the clarity and discipline of a strategist to the art world. Trained in directing and business communication, and with years of experience as a trainer, mentor, and leadership coach, Mätas has built a career around guiding people and organizations through change. She has taught at the master’s level, mentored entrepreneurs, and led countless workshops on communication, innovation, and practical transformation.
Her approach to art management reflects the same principles she applies in business: clarity, empowerment, and collaboration. At Kitsas, she translates these values into curation — helping artists articulate their visions, organize their narratives, and connect with audiences beyond the walls of the gallery.
Mätas believes that art and leadership share a common foundation: both demand awareness, courage, and the ability to see beyond what’s immediately visible. Her presence ensures that the gallery remains both visionary and structurally strong — a rare combination in the art world.
Sirje Sirita Somelar: The Creative Force
Sirje Sirita Somelar complements Mätas with a deeply intuitive, artistic perspective. A self-taught artist and entrepreneur, she has long believed that creativity is a universal skill — something everyone can nurture through curiosity and courage. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: knowledge is accessible, and learning is a choice.
Her background is as eclectic as her art: in addition to her creative practice, Somelar has served on the board of innovative Estonian companies like Veera OÜ, which develops digital solutions for financial management. This dual identity — part artist, part businesswoman — allows her to bridge creative freedom with structure and sustainability.
At Kitsas Galerii, Somelar shapes the sensory and emotional tone. Her eye for balance, texture, and ambiance defines the space’s aesthetic signature. Whether arranging an exhibition, hosting artists, or crafting visual narratives, she infuses the gallery with sincerity, warmth, and artistic intuition.
What They Stand For
Together, Mätas and Somelar have made Kitsas Galerii into more than a gallery — it’s a statement about how art and business, intuition and intelligence, can coexist.
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Inclusivity over exclusivity: Art should invite, not intimidate.
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Collaboration over competition: Creativity thrives in dialogue.
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Spirit over trend: The gallery celebrates timeless emotion and integrity over fleeting fashions.
Their partnership shows how Estonian women in art and leadership are reshaping the cultural landscape — with poise, professionalism, and passion.
A Bridge for Cultural Diplomacy
As Estonia continues to expand its cultural footprint internationally, galleries like Kitsas become key nodes in art diplomacy — connecting local artists with global audiences. The collaboration between Kitsas Galerii and Raud Fine Art Gallery in Chicago for the EART (Estonian American Art Diplomacy) initiative is one such example.
Through shared exhibitions and creative dialogue, Estonia’s art scene is finding new resonance abroad. Kitsas Galerii’s ethos — intimate yet international, grounded yet exploratory — perfectly reflects the spirit of this movement.
In Their Own Words
To walk into Kitsas is to feel that art still has aura — to borrow Walter Benjamin’s term. Each show, each conversation, each glass of wine shared between artist and visitor reminds us that art remains one of the last authentic languages of human connection.
Under the direction of Merike Mätas and Sirje Sirita Somelar, Kitsas Galerii has become a home for that language — spoken fluently through light, color, and dialogue.
Visit Kitsas Galerii
📍 Kitsas tn 5, Tartu, Estonia
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