A solo exhibition of gouache paintings by Vilija Čiapaitė, a Lithuanian folk artist, painter, writer, and illustrator, is on display in the open space on the third floor of the Naujoji Vilnia Cultural Center.
Vilija Čiapaitė is a multifaceted artist who combines light, emotion, and imagination in her work. Born in Kalvarija, she has lived and worked in Prienai since 1979. In 2022, she was granted the status of Lithuanian Folk Artist. Throughout her creative career, she has held more than a hundred solo exhibitions in Lithuania. The artist’s work blends the beauty of nature, inner experiences, and poetic imagination. Floral motifs, subtle brushstrokes, rich colors, and the play of light create a sensitive world full of emotion. In Vilija’s hands, watercolor, acrylic, and gouache become not only painting mediums but also a way to convey the fragility and beauty of life, as well as the human inner world.
Her constant creative exploration and courage to experiment have earned the artist international recognition. In 2025, her works were recognized at the “American Art Awards” and “World Art Awards” competitions. In 2026, one of her pieces won first place at the “World Art Awards,” while her other works also received high praise. The artist’s work was also featured in the “Artorful’s Picks” section of the third issue of *Artorful Magazine* in 2025, which highlights works selected by the editorial staff.
In addition to painting, Vilija writes and illustrates educational storybooks for children about the Prienai region, its legends, history, and mythical characters. In her work, history blends with fantasy, and art becomes a way to explore the world and discover one’s inner light. The painting “Harmony of Life,” which is on display at the exhibition, won 4th place in the 2026 international “World Art Awards” competition.
As the artist herself says: “Technique is like breathing. Colors are like silent words. When I create, I lose track of time. Only light, a quiet inner vibration, and the belief that every flower is a small gift from the world. May art touch us all—like a petal that has fallen onto the heart.” Vilija Čiapaitė’s creative credo— “Don’t stop, delve deeper, let your imagination run wild, and never say ‘No’”—is reflected in her works, which invite us to pause, look closely, and feel the beauty in everyday things.
We invite you to visit the exhibition at the Naujoji Vilnia Cultural Center and immerse yourself in a world of colors, flowers, and emotions!
The exhibition will be on display from October 27 to November 27, 2026, in the open space on the third floor of the Naujoji Vilnia Cultural Center.
