The Adelaide Lithuanian Museum

I was cleaning the Adelaide Lithuanian Museum last week in preparation for the Lithuanians Alive day, I felt ashamed. Not much in the museum is labeled, things are placed over each other without much thought, stuck on with sticky tape and the contents I didn't mean much to me. I thought a major overhaul is needed.

I then paused and reflected. The museum was established 50 years ago, at a time when Lithuania was occupied and there wasn't a glimmer of hope of anyone returning. The museum was created for the Lithuanians who had fled their homeland, it was a place where they could view their past and be proud of their achievements. The museum also served to teach their children and grandchildren about the rich heritage of their country. Putting this into perspective, I felt better. Yes, times have changed, technology, the cost of travel has brought Lithuania closer to Australians, does the museum need to change to reflect the changing community. I feel that it can still serve its original purpose, but I would love to reach those of Lithuanian decent who has the desire to learn about their heritage in Australia.

Luckily I think we can do both.

Stasys Neliubsys - Artist

Born in St Petersburg in 1898. He completed High school and studied religious art there. After WWI his family returned to Lithuania where Stasys continued his art studies in Kaunas. He specialised in the restoration of religious paintings in churches. He was imprisoned during the war by the Germans. After the war he taught art at the Lithuanian art school in Wiesbaden refugee camp in Germany.

He migrated to Australia in 1949 and settled in Adelaide. He continued his painting and held solo exhibitions for the Adelaide community in 1955, 1956 and 1959. He was a regular contributor to Lithuanian and Royal South Australian Society of Art exhibitions. Between 1956 and 1972 he produced stage decorations for ten theatre productions by the Adelaide Theatre group.

He married Nina Gedraitiene. Stasys died in 1979 aged 78.

Several of his paintings still hang on the walls of Lithuanian house, such as the two above. On the left is a portrait of the well known Lithuanian artist Ciurlionis and on the right is a portrait of V. Raginis, a very active member of the Adelaide Lithuanian community.

Lithuanians Alive

About time! History festival event

Adelaide Lithuanian Society

For 60 years this has been the cultural hub of Lithuanians in Adelaide. A language school, dancing, balls, concerts, festivals, lunches, and numerous groups have used this venue. A museum has been created which displays aspects of the Lithuanian culture and history, as well as being a repository for the community. Enjoy a traditional meal and refreshments.

Bookings required for groups only.

When and where:

Sunday 22 May, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Lithuanian House, 6-8 Eastry St, Norwood

Contact:

Daina Pocius

P: 0427 617 214

E: riverhorse@virginbroadband.com.au

Antanas Pocius

P: 0408 282 484

E: tanyp@pocius.com.au