Welcome to a season of artistry, expression, and creativity!
From captivating art exhibitions to soul-stirring discussions, and from the enchanting sounds of kanklės to the cinematic magic of Baltic films, our fall newsletter is a vibrant canvas showcasing the brilliance of artists.
Let it be your passport to an unforgettable cultural adventure filled with powerful words, visuals, and sounds – a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
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Discover the Artistry of Rasa Valienė at SLA Art Space
Dates: September 30th–October 29th
!Opening Reception: This Saturday, September 30th, 5:30–9 PM
Location: SLA Art Space, 307 West 30th Street, New York
Gallery Hours: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2–7 PM
SLA Art Space is thrilled to introduce "Symbiosis," a captivating solo exhibition by the talented artist Rasa Valiene, thoughtfully curated by Francine Rogers. Immerse yourself in the profound exploration of the intricate relationship between nature and human consciousness through Valiene's masterful artworks.
Inspired by the solitude and contemplation experienced during the pandemic, Rasa Valiene skillfully weaves together vibrant colors, rhythmic lines, and symbolic elements in her creations. "Symbiosis" embodies the delicate balance between humankind and the natural world. As Valiene herself explains, "Symbiosis expresses the delicate relationship between humankind and nature, where our existence is nurtured by nature, and nature's survival hinges on our actions. Through my art, I aim to raise awareness, appreciation, and respect for the environment–an essential component of our survival."
Rasa Valiene is originally from Lithuania and now is a resident of Riverhead.
Event Registration (Free Admission): eventbrite.com
Learn more about the artist: rasavaliene.com
Follow the artist's journey on Instagram: rasavalieneart
Image: Rasa Valienė painting
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Join Samuel Bak in Conversation with Gallery Owner Bernie Pucker
Date: Thursday, October 5th, 6–8 PM
Location: The Vilna Shul, 18 Phillips St., Boston, MA
Samuel Bak, the world-renowned painter born in Vilna, will engage in a captivating discussion of his works with gallery owner Bernie Pucker. Together, they will delve into the profound theme of "home."
Bak's art, rich with allegory and metaphor, grapples with the devastating effects of war, resulting in hauntingly beautiful paintings that have graced exhibitions worldwide, including one masterpiece now permanently housed in The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Tickets: $18
Learn more about the event and secure your tickets: Vilnas Hul
Image: Vilnas Hul
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Kristina Sabaliauskaitė at the Vilnius 700 Symposium at Yale University
Date: October 12–13, Online & In-Person
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
This two-day symposium brings together thinkers and writers deeply engaged in the history and life of Vilnius to ponder the role, space, and essence of the city and its inhabitants. The event’s special guest is Kristina Sabaliauskaitė, an art historian, and an honorary doctorate recipient from the Vilnius Academy of Arts. She stands as one of the most prominent contemporary Lithuanian writers.
Although born in Vilnius, Kristina has been based in London since 2002. Until 2010, she served as a foreign correspondent in London and contributed as a columnist to Lithuania's largest daily newspaper. Kristina is most renowned for her monumental historical novel, "Silva Rerum," and the international bestseller, "Peter's Empress."
Free Admission for online and in-person attendance.
For the event program and registration please visit: Vilnius 700 Symposium
Image: Rokas Darulis
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Simona Smirnova Brings New Sounds of Kanklės to New York
Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 9–11 PM
Location: The Cutting Room, 44 E 32nd St., New York
Simona Smirnova, the only professional kanklės player in the USA, is introducing the traditional Lithuanian instrument to New York's music enthusiasts. While the kanklės are typically associated with folk music, Simona brings a fresh perspective by infusing pop, electronic, and jazz elements, complemented by her "sultry, signature vocals" (All About Jazz) and virtuosic performances by her bandmates.
Described by the press as "Eastern European jazz-tinged exotica," Simona's act embodies the vibrant spirit of New York culture, blending tradition with a modern and spicy twist.
Simona Smirnova – Vocals, Kanklės, Theremin | Andrew Cheng – Electric Guitar | Marcello Maccagnan – Bass | Maxime Cholley – Drums
Tickets: $20 (advance), $25 (at the door)
Learn more about the event and secure your tickets: Eventbrite
Discover more about the artist: simonasmirnova.nyc
Follow the artist's journey on Instagram: Simona Smirnova
Video: Kanklės in New York | Short documentary | Simona Smirnova
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Dive into Jazz with Pianist Domas Žeromskas: Greg Tardy Quartet in New York
Date: October 27th, 10:30 PM and 12:00 AM
Location: The Cutting Room, 44 E 32nd St., New York
At just 22 years old, Lithuanian jazz pianist and composer Domas Žeromskas has already made a name for himself, sharing the stage with prominent native jazz veterans during his early formative years. His technical versatility and soulful, eclectic style have garnered him a reputation as a sought-after musician.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the rising Lithuanian jazz talent in New York City as he performs in two shows with the Greg Tardy Quartet.
Greg Tardy – Tenor Sax | Domas Žeromskas – Piano | Sean Conly – Bass | Hector L Falu Guzman – Drums
Learn more about the show and secure your tickets: SmallsLive
Discover more about the artist: domaszeromskasmusic.com
Follow the artist's journey on Instagram: domaszeromskas
Image: Domas Žeromskas Facebook
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First Time in the US: SLA Art Space Brings the Best of Baltic Short Animation Films Together
Date: October 25th–28th
Location: SLA Art Space, 307 W 30th St, New York
SASAFF (SLA Art Space Animation Film Festival) 2023 in New York City is the very first festival in the US to showcase animated short films from three Baltic countries: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The program has been curated by well-known animators Ülo Pikkov, Vladimir Leščovs, and Valentas Aškinis. There's also a special Young Audiences showing for families on Saturday, October 28th, where the animators will present their films and delve into the process of producing them in their respective countries.
SASAFF NYC 2023 is delighted to host animated films from Nordic countries as well. The program has been carefully curated by Anders Narverud Moen, the director and leader of the Fredrikstad Animation Festival.
The SLA Art Space team is thrilled to invite the New York City audience to immerse themselves in the world of animation, filled with captivating stories and visual innovation. This festival takes place in person, blending art and moving images to create a space of inspiration and creativity.
Tickets: 1 day: $5 / 4 days: $15; FREE admission for children and students (please bring a school ID and RSVP confirmation)
Please note that space is limited, and all tickets must be purchased online (no tickets will be available at the door).
Learn more about the festival, check the movie schedule, and secure your tickets at: SLA Image: movie stills
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The 6th Annual New York Baltic Film Festival Line-Up Announced: Get Early Bird Tickets
Date: November 8th–12th (in-person); November 10th–19th (virtually nationwide)
Location: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave, New York
Don't miss out! Early Bird tickets are now on sale for both in-person and virtual festival passes and tickets, offering a 15% discount on passes and packages until midnight on October 1st.
The 6th Annual New York Baltic Film Festival (NYBFF), presented by Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, is back with the best new and critically acclaimed Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian films. These films will be screened in-person in NYC and virtually across the nation. This year's festival boasts a lineup of 13 films, including eight narrative features, three documentaries, and one TV series. Among these, you'll find two International Premieres, six North American Premieres, and one New York Premiere. Screenings and premieres will be accompanied by exclusive Q&As, panels, and concerts featuring filmmakers, most of whom will be in New York for the festival.
The festival kicks off with an Opening Night Celebration on Wednesday, November 8th, at 6:30 PM, featuring the North American Premiere of "Remember to Blink" (Per Arti, Lithuania, 2023), a captivating drama directed by Austėja Urbaitė, starring Arthur Igual and Anne Azoulay as a French couple who adopt two Lithuanian children and enlist a young student, Dovile Kundrotaite, to serve as an interpreter and nanny. The idyllic facade of their new family arrangement soon gives way to underlying tensions and cultural clashes.
Urbaitė's film, recipient of several awards including Best Film at GoEast Film Festival, deftly explores human intricacies and the boundaries of culture and identity, as well as the concept of "Neo-colonialism," reflecting broader conflicts amid the subtle dynamics of becoming a family. The Opening Night will also feature a reception following the film, and "Remember to Blink" will screen again during the NYBFF on Saturday, November 11th, at 1 PM.
Learn more about the festival, check the movie schedule, and secure your tickets at: NYBFF
Buy Passses, Packages & Tickets Today: NYBFF Box Office
Image: Festival poster
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