George Drost, past NCSML Board chair, international attorney, cultural preservationist, and art enthusiast, shares with Czech Village the Joža Uprka painting from his collection – formally known as “Girl in a scarf from Veselí nad Moravou.”

The mural will add vibrancy to the side of the historic Kosek Building, 87 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Joža Uprka (1861–1940), a Czech painter, often called the “Artist of the Moravian Soul,” blended academic technique with Impressionist influences to immortalize the customs and folk dress of his native region. Uprka is known for his richly detailed depictions of Moravian folklore, rural life, and spiritual traditions at the turn of the 20th century.

“I have long been captivated by Uprka’s ability to preserve the identity and vibrancy of Moravian heritage through art,” said Drost, founder of UprkaUSA.com. “My mission is to share Uprka’s vision with the world, fostering appreciation for Central European traditions and the universality of folk expression.”

The website serves as an interactive digital gallery and educational hub, offering visitors insights into Uprka’s life, technique, and legacy. It also reflects Drost’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and the preservation of Czech and Slovak heritage, both in his native homeland and in the United States.