The tradition of preserving memories in decorative boxes dates back to the Victorian era, when beautifully crafted heart-shaped chocolate boxes were often saved to hold letters and small treasures.

Inspired by this charming custom, MYP2 students from our school, guided by their Visual Art teacher Ivana Devernay Cimić, created their own Valentine’s shadow box hearts using the assemblage technique. By combining diverse materials with personal messages, each student designed a unique keepsake filled with meaning.

This exhibition celebrates the idea that feelings and memories can be preserved and shared through small, thoughtfully crafted artworks.

The shadow box hearts are on display at the Zagreb City Library – Knežija branch from February 6 to March 3, 2026.

For more details, visit the exhibition page.  

Memories Framed with Meaning
Creating Valentine’s shadow box hearts is a modern craft that brings together history, emotions, and decorative art. While original shadow boxes come from a maritime tradition, where they were used to preserve memories from a sailor’s career, today’s version focuses on personal stories, love, and family memories.

A Bit of History
The roots of this tradition go back to the Victorian era. In 1861, Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped chocolate boxes. Because they were beautifully decorated, people kept them even after the chocolates were gone. They used the boxes to store letters, locks of hair, and small keepsakes, tiny objects filled with big emotional value.

A Modern Take
Today, this idea has evolved into decorative 3D frames that preserve “pieces of love.” Each heart inside a frame represents a story, a feeling, or an important relationship.

Student Artwork – Personal Stories in a Frame
Inspired by this old tradition, MYP2 students from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Matija Gubec International School in Zagreb created their own Valentine’s shadow box hearts under the guidance of their Visual Art teacher, Ivana Devernay Cimić. Students dedicated their hearts to loved ones: family members, friends, and special people in their lives. They designed their heart-shaped artworks using the assemblage technique, combining different materials and objects while paying attention to composition and clear visual messages. Alongside the visual elements, they included written messages in their mother tongues. This exhibition celebrates the idea that love can be preserved, shaped, and shared, inside a frame that grows richer in meaning over time.

Student Mentor:
Ivana Devernay Cimić, M.A.