Native American Collection Don Astras enjoys drawing Native Americans because of their noble history and culture. In 2017, Don had visited the Edward S. Curtis exhibit at the Muskegon Art Museum. Curtis became one of the most well-known photographers of his time, especially of North American Indians. Don’s drawings are based on Curtis’ photogravures. The first three drawings of Native … [Read more...]
Making Lithuanian Straw Christmas Ornaments by Don Astras
Lithuanian Heritage Magazine November/December 2016 Reprint Don Astras worked with Jonas Daugirdas, editor of Lithuanian-Heritage Magazine to produce a feature article about ‘Making Lithuanian Straw Christmas Ornaments (šiaudinukai)’. The article appeared in the November/December 2016 issue of Lithuanian Heritage Magazine on pages 24-26. It includes my background on learning Ursula’s … [Read more...]
Ursula Astras, Lady of Wheat, Featured in Bridges: Lithuanian-American News Journal
Lady of Wheat: Transforming Folk Art into Fine Art Don Astras worked with Terese Vekteris, editor of Bridges: Lithuanian-American News Journal to produce a feature article about Ursula Astras, Lady of Wheat, who transformed folk art into fine art. The article will appear in the November/December 2015 issue of Bridges: Lithuanian-American News Journal on pages 3-4. It includes … [Read more...]
Astras Family History at Balzekas Museum
Astras Family The following questionnaire was submitted by Stanley Astras Currier, whose late grandmother, folk artist Uršulė Astras, taught traditional Lithuanian Easter egg etching classes for many years at the Balzekas Museum, served as the Museum’s Folk Arts Director. Her masterful Easter eggs are on display in the Museum’s Women’s Guild Room. Stanley writes: “The … [Read more...]