The Uprka In America collection was created to honor the extraordinary artistic achievements of Joža Uprka (1861 - 1940) and the talented Czech artists who worked alongside him in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This includes members of the Association of Moravian Fine Artists (SVUM). This online gallery shines a light on the vibrant stories, traditions, and cultural heritage captured in their work.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of pieces—from vivid depictions of village life to elegant portraits—that reflect the spirit and identity of a remarkable era in Czech art history with a focus on the creative contributions from Moravia. The collection offers a unique opportunity to experience these important works up close and to learn more about the artists whose creativity shaped European art during a time of great change.
More than just a gallery, this website serves as a resource for anyone interested in Czech cultural heritage. We celebrate art lovers, historians, collectors, and curious minds who connect with the stories behind every brushstroke. We encourage you to reach out with interest in the collection and its history.
The goal of Uprka In America is simple: to preserve and share this rich artistic legacy with a wider audience. By bringing together these beautiful works in one place, the collection invites you to discover and appreciate the enduring impact of Joža Uprka and his contemporaries on the world of art both over the course of his lifetime up to today.
About George T. Drost, the curator of Joza Uprka art collection
George Drost is the dedicated curator behind the Uprka In America collection. With deep roots in Moravian heritage, he has spent years championing the art and cultural history of the Czech Republic. His passion lies in preserving the authentic voices of Czech and Moravian artists—painters whose work captures the spirit, struggles, and traditions of their time. George’s commitment to sharing these stories has made this collection a vibrant tribute to the enduring beauty and significance of Czech art.
"I worked my whole my life not for fame and recognition not for money and other advantages not to out-do others but only for the simple purpose of demonstrating that I am a full member of the community of people I sought to capture as truly as possible through my art.”
— Joža Uprka
