Learn Traditional Lithuanian Easter Egg Decorating (Margučiai) Please join us at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture for a Traditional Lithuanian Easter Egg Decorating Workshop to learn the ancient art of etching eggs or margučiai. This annual workshop had been conducted by Ursula Astras for 37 years. Now the Astras family returns to show the secrets of one of … [Read more...]
Lithuanian Christmas Traditions Presentation
Lithuania highlighted at Meijer Gardens in 2022 Season Don Astras shared his family’s Lithuanian Christmas Traditions in a presentation on December 4, 2022. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park highlighted Lithuania this season with their theme of celebrating light. Don’s family has been involved with Meijer Gardens since 1996, which makes that a special tradition for the … [Read more...]
Learning to make a Lithuanian Christmas straw ornament
2021 Balzekas Museum Straw Ornament Workshop Grateful participants at our Straw Ornament Workshop at the Balzekas Museum gave high praise to Don and Kathy Astras. Participants created traditional Christmas straw ornaments during our Straw Ornament Making Workshop at the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski Road, in Chicago on November 20, 2021. Lithuanian Christmas tree … [Read more...]
Lithuanian Christmas Tree 2020 Exhibit at Meijer Gardens
Lithuanian Christmas tree features Ursula Astras’ handmade ornaments Although all of our folk art workshops for this year were cancelled due to the Corona virus stay at home orders, Frederik Meijer Gardens was able to open its annual Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibition. Meijer Gardens’ theme this year focuses on the handcrafted symbols of beloved holiday … [Read more...]
Teachers Learn How to Etch Easter Eggs
Lithuanian Educational Council of the US teachers take Folk Art Classes at Camp Dainava Donatas Astras conducted Egg Decorating workshops for the Lithuanian Educational Council of the US at Camp Dainava in August 2019. During Sendraugiu Week at Camp Dainava, which included families, seniors and teachers, Don taught the seniors and teachers, how to etch Easter eggs. The teachers, … [Read more...]