RÅ«ta KeršienÄ— from Lith-uania jokes that she’s “half Irish already”, thanks to her eight years here.
KeršienÄ— is the owner of RÅ«ta’s Art and Crafts Gallery in Dublin, which is believed to be the first crafts shop in Ireland specialising in Lithuanian goods.
The shop opened just before Christmas, and KeršienÄ— remains hopeful that it can ride out the recession. “I am trying to keep things affordable,” she says, on the impressive sculptures, pottery, paintings and ceramics at the gallery – all made in Lithuania.
The only other means of attaining Lithuanian-made crafts in Ireland is at a Dublin celebration of the annual Kaziukas’ Fair, named after Lithuania’s patron saint. It is held across Lithuania, and its Irish celebration takes place in Dun Laoghaire’s People’s Park this weekend (21–22 March).
Originally from Vilnius, KeršienÄ— worked in various jobs upon arriving here, including with the Health Service Executive. But having grown up “in a very artistic family” and been the best painter in class during her schooldays, that artistic bug was biting hard.
“I always had that desire to put two things together, love for art and love for the home country – that’s how the idea came out,” she reveals.
The gallery was established on Dublin’s South William Street – in a prime tourist area – and it’s little surprise that most patrons have been Americans and continental Europeans.
“Irish customers haven’t really found me yet but I hope they will because somebody who does will then tell friends, so I hope that will spread like a virus,” jokes KeršienÄ—.
She adds that some “perfect gift ideas” lurk within. Prices range from €2 for a linen gift bag to €20 for a designer bracelet, and some of the top paintings on display price at up to €1,000.
Walking into the final section of the gallery, bells hang from the doorways, eliciting a shimmering jingle as customers pass through. “It has a special meaning back at home because it reminds of the sound of water, it reminds of the sound of stream,” says KeršienÄ—, explaining that the bells are also associated with a welcoming and bring good luck.
Many of the artworks have a bright, summery feel. KeršienÄ— remarks that the long, cold winters in Lithuania prompt artists to complete pieces that brighten up people’s days during this time.
Overall, despite the current challenges, KeršienÄ— finds peace of mind in being her own boss. “It’s difficult to be working for somebody, it doesn’t matter how nice your boss is,” she says.
Last week the gallery hosted a gathering of female diplomats and diplomats’ spouses, organised by the Lithuanian Embassy in Ireland.
