Ambassador Hall Remarks at the Opening of the International Art Exhibition “Manuscript”
Pacai Hotel Art Gallery, Didžioji g. 7, Vilnius
September 13, 2018
Mayor Šimašius, Ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It has been a great honor for me to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania during the centennial celebration of the restoration of Lithuanian statehood. The United States is proud of its long, rich history of friendship with Lithuania and its neighbors, Estonia and Latvia. This friendship has endured many challenging days yet we have always emerged stronger, together.
In this special centennial year, the U.S. is honored to look back over the last 100 years to highlight the special ties that bind us together. The U.S. Embassy is privileged to be a part of the international art project “Manuscript,” which has been wonderfully spearheaded by Mrs. Christine Žoromskis of Kazimieras Žoromskis Foundation, to whom we owe a great thank you.
By celebrating the U.S. artists from the Take Me to the River organization, as well their peers in mastery from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Poland, the “Manuscript” inspires us to reflect, recreate and reclaim the past with the vigor of imagination that deepens friendships.
Through art’s retelling of history, we have been able to preserve our shared memory.
Our history of dialogue and the promise of a better future, has kept our relationship thriving, and now comes alive through the artist’s aesthetic vision. It is these magnificent partnerships that produce precious manuscripts of memory.
I would especially like to thank Ms. Vivienne M. Lassman, the curator of the U.S. artist organization Take Me to the River for her support of the project, as well as Vilnius Municipality for recognizing the value of our cultural bond, and the Pacai Hotel for being gracious hosts of the exhibition and the opening event.
Most importantly, I would like to convey my gratitude to every artist for adding a new dimension to our memory landscape and inspiring us in our search for the signs of strength, beauty, and wisdom in our world.
I hope you will enjoy the exhibition, the music and our long lasting companionship! Thank you!
