Reflections on the ArtPrize Journey and What Comes Next ArtPrize 2025 has come to a close, but for me, the journey of Echoes of Valor: Portraits of Native Heritage continues. During the exhibition, I was humbled by the conversations sparked by these portraits — stories shared, memories honored, and the recognition that art can be a bridge between past and present. The WOOD TV feature … [Read more...]
Echoes of Valor: Native American Portraits at ArtPrize 2025
Now on Extended Exhibition in Grand Rapids, MI Four portraits. One story. Echoes of Valor: Portraits of Native Heritage, Don Astras #53174, is a series of graphite portraits by artist Don Astras, honoring Native American heritage, resilience, and leadership. Each work is more than art — it is a voice from history, drawn in fine detail to preserve dignity and memory. Exhibits in Grand … [Read more...]
Lithuanian Christmas Tree 2023 Exhibit at Meijer Gardens
Merry Christmas or Linksmų Kalėdų! See Ursula Astras’ handmade straw ornaments Frederik Meijer Gardens opened its annual University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibition. Meijer Gardens’ theme this year focuses on the honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world—has grown to 46 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present, … [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...]
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...]