Renowned educator founded La Massana's art school, created iconic public monuments, and trained leaders like

Andorran sculptor and painter Dolors Novellas Barceló, a key figure in the Principat's art education and La Massana's cultural life, has died at the age of 82.

Her passing has prompted tributes across La Massana and the national artistic community. The local Comú described her as a highly valued artist who "contributed immensely to the parish's cultural life," noting her roles as both an artistic reference and an active member of community groups. These included the escudella of Sant Antoni, Unió Proturisme de La Massana, and the Assaig theatre group.

Novellas, a graduate of Barcelona's Escola Superior de Belles Arts de Sant Jordi and a disciple of Joan Rebull and Frederic Marès, arrived in Andorra in 1968 to teach at the Institut Espanyol d'Ensenyament Mitjà de Ciutat de Valls. She later taught in Sant Julià de Lòria before moving to La Massana, where she founded and directed the Escola d’Art—or Institut d’Art de La Massana—for nearly two decades. Her realistic, classical style, especially in sculpture, reflected her mentors' influence. She lived in Ordino.

Public monuments in La Massana stand as testaments to her work, including the passeurs sculpture near the former Hotel Palanques—honouring those who aided fugitives crossing the Pyrenees during the Second World War—the Girl with the Grandalles figure, and the sculpture of three linked girls at the Comú entrance. Her workshops trained generations of Andorran artists and figures, among them former heads of government Jaume Bartumeu and Xavier Llovera, Jordi Llovera, and chef Joan Roca.

Until recently, she remained engaged locally, agreeing to paint a portrait of the escudella dish for a tribute to Josep Maria Troguet, which she intended to attend.

A wake will be held on Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at the national funeral home in Escaldes-Engordany, followed by a private cremation.

Outside her professional life, Novellas enjoyed a vibrant family and social routine, from caring for grandchildren and walking pets to playing boules and exploring Andorra's natural sites.