International Blacksmithing Plein Air "Steel Butterfly"

On August 8–10, the international blacksmithing plein-air “Steel Hand” returns to Druskininkai. This is an ongoing project that seeks to actualize, protect and cherish the intangible cultural heritage – blacksmithing crosswork. In Lithuania, chapel pillars, roof pillars, chapels, and crosses forged by blacksmiths were decorated with iron tops – important elements of chapels, bell towers, and churches.
Demonstrations of the blacksmithing craft and educational classes will take place on August 8 from 2 to 5 p.m., and on August 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Druskininkai Entertainment Square. The opening of the plein-air exhibition of works and the presentation of the album “From the Collections of A. G. Zinkevičiūtė. Samogitian Blacksmithing in the Late 19th Century - First Half of the 20th Century. Monumental Crosses” will be held on August 11 at 12:30 p.m. At the Crafts Center "Menų kalvė" (M. K. Čiurlionio st. 27)

Participants in this year's blacksmithing plein air:

Juozas Kavaliauskas (Druskininkai)
Tomas Pacaitis (Radvilonys, Lazdijai district)
Juozas Varnelis (Veisiejai)
Martynas Breikštas (Prieų district)
Virgilijus Mikuckis (Mažeikiai)
Saulius Kronis (Velžys, Panevėžys district)
Ričardas Grekavičius (Kaunas district)
Matas Bodrijė (Druskininkai)
Zdzislaw Drazba (Vygriai, Poland)

The project "Druskininkai - Lithuanian Capital of Culture 2025. Touch Čiurlionis" is partly financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, Druskininkai Municipality
Information partner LRT
Patron "Eglės sanatorija"
General sponsor Druskininkai Water Park
Sponsors: UAB "Akvavita", UAB "Drusta", Rotary club "Sūrutis", UAB "Malonės turtas", UAB "Dzūkas", hotel "Simpatija", UAB "Stikloporas", restaurant-pizzeria "Sicilia", hotel "Goda", UAB "Transeta"