I am Erika Peresztegi, painter, jewelry designer, teacher, and librarian. My life has always been shaped by creativity and self-expression – whether through teaching, painting, or crafting. I was born in Keszthely, but my career has been influenced by several cities in Transdanubia – Zalaegerszeg, Kaposvár, Veszprém – as well as the capital, Budapest. Since 2000, I have been living in Győr, where I currently work as a teacher at the Szabadhegy Hungarian–German Bilingual Primary and Secondary School, a place that allows me to live out both my passion for art and my dedication to education. My love for art was rooted in my family’s story and the paintings of my great-grandfather, and later nurtured by my high school art teacher, József Gábriel, who set me on my path. Since then, I have passionately sought the balance between tradition and innovation. My works reflect femininity, life situations, pure forms, and the hidden layers of the human soul. I often work with acrylics, watercolors, and oils, while also enjoying experimentation with new materials. For me, creating goes beyond painting: jewelry-making is also an essential part of my life. I paint on polymer bases or combine minerals with stainless steel elements to design unique, elegant pieces. My works are regularly presented at solo and group exhibitions. I am also a member of the ART9000 Association of Creative Art Teachers, where I continue to enrich my professional experience within a community of fellow artists.
Education:
- 2018–2019: Kodolányi János University, Budapest – Library Studies (MA)
- 2010–2012: University of Pannonia – Pedagogy Teacher (MA)
- 1992–1996: College for Folk Games and Small Crafts Instructors, Budapest – Folk Games and Screen-Printing Instructor
- 1989–1992: Csokonai Vitéz Mihály Teacher Training College, Kaposvár – Primary Teacher, Art specialization
Publications
- Vilmos Hámor: Porcelain Smile, Győr 2006 – Cover design
- Ferenc Tóth: Zalai Works, Keszthely 2007
- Memorial plaque on the door of the Physics Classroom, Szabadhegy Hungarian–German Bilingual Primary and Secondary School, 2023
Awards & Recognitions
- 2019.01.22 – On the Day of Hungarian Culture, received the Győr for Arts Award for outstanding artistic activity, as a member of ART9000, the Association of Creative Art Teachers
- 2019.01.25 – Award winner at the VI. Winter Art Exhibition in Győr, juried by art historian Bernadett Grászl
- 2003 – Gold Gallery, Győr – Award winner at an exhibition for teachers, juried by art historian Júlia N. Mészáros
My goal is to contribute through my art to making the beauty of creativity part of everyday life.
If you are curious about my work, please take a look at my gallery or follow me on social media! I am happy to receive your feedback and ideas for collaboration.