OPTICS meets ART

The exhibition “Optics meets Art” at the Jena Education Center was officially opened on November 17, 2025. The opening was attended by the students, representatives of the teaching staff and school administration, and many helpers and supporters of this unique project, including Olaf Drillisch-Saathoff, Head of Human Resources at Jenoptik as project sponsor.

“We are impressed by the creative ideas of the students and the variety of works that were created in this very short time,” said Robert Pompös, Director of the Jena Education Center Schott, Carl Zeiss, Jenoptik (JBZ). He thanked the students and teaching staff of the Grete Unrein Comprehensive School, Johanna Blumröder from JBZ, who supervised the project, Jenoptik for their support with organization and materials, the Huber & Treff Gallery, which assisted with the implementation of the exhibition in the premises, as well as the many supporters and helpers from the Jena optics network.

A total of 68 works and a selection of students’ project journals on the topic of optics are now on display in the corridors of the Education Center. They not only add color to the premises, but also reflect the actual work focus of the Education Center, education in technical optical disciplines.

The exhibition is a joint project of JBZ and Jenoptik, supported by the German Optical Museum (D.O.M.), the Lichtwerkstatt Jena, witelo e.V., imaginata, and OptoNet Jena e.V. “It is impressive to see what can emerge from the collaboration of the Jena network around optics and photonics, and shows that there are many ways to engage creatively with optics and inspire young people about this topic,” said Jenoptik Head of Human Resources Olaf Drillisch-Saathoff.

It began almost exactly a year ago with a creative workshop as the kickoff. This was followed by an initial project phase for idea generation together with art teacher Katharina Rätz. Whether drawing, oil painting, sculpture, collage, or even digital art – there were few limits for the students. After an exchange of ideas in spring 2025, the students and art teacher then determined which works to create and proceeded with implementation through September.

At the opening of the exhibition on Monday, six of the works were specially recognized and awarded small prizes (see image below). The works were selected by a six-member jury – consisting of trainees, employees of Jenoptik and JBZ, representatives of D.O.M. and OptoNet e.V.

“Our thanks go to all students who contributed and worked creatively,” said Johanna Blumröder from JBZ, also on behalf of Katharina Rätz from IGS Grete Unrein, who initiated and supervised the project. The works are on display at the Jena Education Center for all students, parents, employees, trainees, and guests for the next two years.

Optics meets Art – Exhibition opens at Jena Education Center – Jena TV – See what moves.

MDR THÜRINGEN JOURNAL: Thüringen Journal from November 17 – watch here (from 16:59 min)