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The Kazickas family is pleased to present this special 100th year anniversary exhibition on the life and times of Joseph P. Kazickas (1918-2014,) philanthropist, patriot, and businessman here in Druskininkai, and to remember his friendship with the most renowned 20th century Lithuanian artist, Vytautas K. Jonynas.
It was in Druskininkai, where Vytautas K. Jonynas lived and worked when he came back to Lithuania from New York. It is in Druskininkai, where the largest collection of his art is preserved. He was multi talented: a book and poster illustrator, sculptor, painter, stained glass and furniture designer.
J. P. Kazickas, always a great supporter of Lithuanian artists, recognized V. K. Jonynas talent and in 1966, after “a pool house” in the Kazickas summer home in East Hampton, NY was built, he asked the artist to decorate the house by installing two mosaics, bas reliefs, a stained glass window and an outdoor sculpture for the fountain next to the pool.
On this occasion, celebrating life of their patriarch, the Kazickas family is sharing pictures of V. K. Jonynas art in their collection, and the story behind his art.
Born in Ciornaya Padina, Russia where his Lithuanian ancestors were exiled after the 1863 uprising against the Tsar, J. P. Kazickas spent most of his life in the United States with only 20 years in Lithuania, but never lost his love for his homeland. He lobbied for its freedom during the dark days of the cold war, rejoiced in the re-declaration of its independence in 1990 and worked hard to bring economic prosperity to the Lithuanian people.
Kazickas lived a very full life. Arriving penniless in the United States from displaced persons camps in Germany in 1947, he received a doctorate in economics from Yale University in 1951 and went on to become a successful entrepreneur. He raised five children with his wife, Alexandra, travelled the word, forming friendships with people at the highest levels of American and international society, and became a generous donor to many Lithuanian causes.
In this exhibit, a visitor can read about his varied life experiences. Kazickas was an intellectual, gifted writer and orator, a patron of the arts, a sportsman, an enthusiastic photographer and gardener, and most of all, a devoted family man, married to Alexandra for 70 years.
He established the Kazickas Family Foundation in 1998, which is his greatest legacy to the Lithuanian people. KFF has supported more than 100 charitable causes, including the computerization of public schools, the reconstruction of important architectural sites, the publication of numerous books on Lithuanian history and promotion of music and dance festivals that showcase the country’s rich traditions and culture.
The Kazickas family is grateful for this wonderful opportunity to present our patriarch’s life to the general public.
On Friday, September 7th, director of the Adolfas Damusis Democracy Center Vidmantas Valiusaitis will present the topic "Joseph Kazickas and Lithuania's Freedom Case" where he will cover main aspects of Dr. J. P. Kazickas' life and his dedication to Lithuania.
Exhibition will be open 08/01/2018 – 09/30/2018
Photo above: Dr. Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas at the pool house of their residence in East Hampton, NY
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