Five years ago we started work on a 250 boulder installation at the base of Varnupiai Sacred Mound (piliakalnis) in Lithuania. This was to honor the famed Lithuanian archeologist Marija Gimbutas: the distribution of the boulders was in keeping with her own archeological excavations done in the 1930’s in Lithuania.

The distribution was matched to the overhead stars of the milky way. Thus there is a connection between each bolder and a specific star. In Lithuanian mythology, when a person dies his soul goes heavenward and becomes a star.

Each summer groups of high school students gather at this boulder installation. They use water-soluble paints to illustrate their own interpretations of NeuroArt, incorporating neuronal processes, ancient Lithuanian history and mythology, celestial connections, and their own creative imaginations. The most recent student project was three weeks ago. A one minute YouTube summary is available by clicking HERE.

The Varnupiai Sacred Mound was Dr. Jonas Basanavicius’ most favorite place in Lithuania. He would frequently visit it. He is the father of modern Lithuania. It is because of him that Lithuania was able to overcome the 120 year czarist yoke of oppression.

Tomorrow is the 250 year anniversary of the independence of the United States. I cannot help but to also reflect upon Lithuanian independence which occurred 98 years ago.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful celebratory weekend.