Atelier Shemi is a compound and gallery in Kibbutz Cabri located in the Western Galilee, which used to be a sculpture and painting studio by Israeli artist Yehiel (Shitzberg) Shemi. His original work space and artistic heritage are preserved on site. Yehiel Shemi, one of the most important sculptors and painters in Israeli history, sat down with his friends at Kibbutz Cabri, which had been his home for most of his life. They adopted the French nickname “Atelier” and the compound was hand-built outside the settled area of Cabri. With help from his good friend Elijah Sela, the gallery was erected.
Over the years additions have been added to this structure, in accordance with creative development and the needs of Shemi. There was also a shed with a lever, which allowed Shemi, to move the large-scale welds and the sculptures all with chains. In the 1990s, he deepened his interest in painting, and in addition, another structure was added to the existing structure for painting.
Shemi worked in the workshop for fifty years. He died in 2003, at the age of 81. In 2011, it was decided to open Shemi’s workshop to the general public. The workshop was renovated and adapted for display. It was divided into a sculpture and painting space, its windows overlooking a sculpture garden surrounding the building and breathtaking views of the western Galilee. Shemi’s work space, painting desk and even wall stains are preserved to this day. The exhibition features interchangeable exhibitions of his works, exhibitions by other artists conducting dialogue with his work, and educational activities in collaboration with various art institutions.