THE IDEA OF ARTISTS' HOUSE

Virginija and Kazimieras Mizgiris had an old dream that Nida - the most beautiful place in Lithuania -was famous not only as a center of amber masters. They would like that Nida, its wonderful coast and lagoon could attract different kinds of artists and inspire them. This project was carried out: House of Artists was built in 1997 reviving an old Hermann Blode's idea about Mecca of artists.

Jewelers, masters of amber and metal, sculptors, painters and drawers live and create in a summer time in a small wooden fachverk summer house on the coast of Curonian Lagoon. Five artists can live and create there at the same time. There is a small workshop with grinding, polishing, rotating, bending machines and other necessary equipment in it. The exposition hall of 40 square meters takes up the main space in a small house built in the garden of Amber Gallery. It is very cozy to discuss and hold meetings by the fireplace in cool summer evenings. When day is hot it is possible to discuss or work in the arbor.

Two small living rooms and a cozy foyer on the second floor - all to make artists feel comfortable. The house was built in four months. The architectural design of the house based on the old Curonian traditions was worked out by architect Vaidotas Guogis, interior design was created by painter Azuolas Vaitukaitis. Mizgiris family did not hire any construction workers: House of Artists was built by the owners with the help of friends and relatives. That is why the owners are happy about the coziness and good atmosphere of the house which is good for creation.

Like H. Blode used to do hundred years ago, nowadays Mizgiris family invite artists to their House of Artists in Nida to create, enjoy wonderful nature and transform their ideas and experience into works of art. Artists can live and work for free for two weeks in the House of Artists and prepare exhibitions. Agreements are made with artists about the exhibition of their works they had brought with them, about the communication with customers and their possibilities to watch the process of creation. Perhaps some guests could have a chance to polish they own amber they had found on the beach or to draw a picture. Communication with the guests of this house will be one of the subjects of the contract.

Artists would leave some of their works before departure. Mizgiris family hopes to collect a rich collection of those works where each of them would have its own history and legend. The Chronicle of the House of Artists was started on the first day of its existence.

Those who wish to take part in the process of creation in the House of Artists in Nida have to fill this questionnaire. Please read the contract, which has to be signed after the arrival. The answer will be sent by e-mail or by post in 2-4 weeks.