The émigré art collection by Leonardas Andriekus and the Franciscan brothers

The exhibition Open Waters: The Émigré Art Collection by Leonardas Andriekus and the Franciscan Brothers opens on May 8, Thursday, 6 PM at the Vytautas Kasiulis Art Museum; on view until September 28.

The exhibition presents about 100 artworks from the Lithuanian diaspora, collected by Leonardas Kazimieras Andriekus (1914–2003) – a Franciscan priest, poet, and cultural advocate. The collection reveals a broad stylistic range – from realism to abstraction and optical art, highlighting the contributions of female artists active in exile.

The display includes both sacred and secular art, featuring artists such as P. Domšaitis, A. Galdikas, V. K. Jonynas, V. Vizgirda, J. Monkutė-Marks, K. Žoromskis, among others. Andriekus built the collection through close ties with émigré artists while editing the journal Aidai and leading cultural centers in the U.S.

The exhibition title, borrowed from Andriekus’ 1955 poetry collection, reflects themes of freedom, creative expression, and longing for the homeland. Most of the works are shown publicly for the first time.