The opening of the exhibition at the “Zhou B Art Center” gallery was attended by a large gathering of the World Lithuanian community, representatives of culture and art. The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Audra Plepytė, the Lithuanian Ambassador to the United States (USA) Gediminas Varvuolis, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Canada Egidijus Meilūnas, the Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago Regimantas Jablonskas, the Director of the Lithuanian National Culture Center Saulius Liausa, interdisciplinary artist Ray Bartkus, and other distinguished guests.
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The exhibition “Versmės” presents culture as a living, constantly changing phenomenon – heard in songs, seen in ornaments, felt in works created by human hands, and today taking on new artistic forms.
Four narratives of the exhibition reveal different layers of Lithuanian cultural identity. In one space, visitors discover cross-crafting – a unique folk art tradition intertwining Christian symbols, nature motifs, faith, and exceptional human craftsmanship.
In another – the sound of sutartinės recorded by the Vilnius University folklore ensemble “Ratilio” merges with a contemporary visual and sound solution specially created for this space. Straw gardens – heritage reflecting the ancient Baltic worldview and symbolizing world harmony – blend with modern lighting solutions, demonstrating the modernity and universality of tradition. The exhibition of song and dance festivals allows one to feel the scale, emotion, and power of community of one of the most impressive Lithuanian cultural phenomena.
In a project developed for more than two years, combining traditional Lithuanian values and contemporary art, the works of Ray Bartkus, Tadao Cern, Rimantas Milkintas, Mantas Lesauskas, Augustė Santockytė, Marija Liugienė, Edvardas Mačaitis, Vida Sniečkuvienė, Artūras Janickas, Antanas Vaškys, Neda Gylė, and Vilma Mare are presented.
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The exhibition opening became one of the most important cultural highlights of the 17th North American Lithuanian National Dance Festival “Between Two Shores.” The festival, held in Chicago from July 10–12, brought together thousands of Lithuanians from around the world: art exhibitions, creative activities, and impressive concerts took place, revealing the vitality and strength of Lithuanian culture.
After its presentation in Chicago, the “Versmės” exhibition will continue its journey to Philadelphia (USA), Canada, and Asia, and before the 2028 Lithuanian Song Festival, it will return to Lithuania.
The “Versmės” exhibition testifies that Lithuanian culture is not just a legacy of the past – it is alive, constantly growing, and inspiring. Ancient traditions meet contemporary artistic expression here, inviting Lithuanians worldwide and foreign audiences to rediscover the depth, beauty, and vitality of Lithuanian culture.
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