“The Šlapeliai – Colonists of Patagonia” Exhibition

The exhibition "The Šlapeliai – Colonists of Patagonia" is set to open on September 30, 2026, at 6 PM at the Marija and Jurgis Šlapelis House-Museum in Vilnius. It will remain on view until November 28, 2026. This collaborative project is a photographic research endeavor by photographer Mykolas Juodelė and graphic designer Sandra Rivero, delving into the historical journey of the Šlapelis family in Patagonia, Argentina.

The exhibition chronicles the significant contributions of Izidorius Šlapelis and his grandson Juozas, who in 1897 ventured across the Patagonian landscape. Following a decree by Argentina’s then-president, they were granted land to establish a new colony. After an 18-day journey, they reached Lake Colhué Huapi, where they built the first house from clay and straw, marking the inception of the town of Sarmiento.

The Šlapelis family's legacy as pioneers is well-recognized in the Sarmiento area, with streets, schools, and even an airfield named in their honor. Juozas Šlapelis is noted as Sarmiento’s first photographer, and Kazimieras Šlapelis as a forerunner of aviation in Patagonia. The exhibition features Mykolas Juodelė's photographs alongside archival images by Juozas Šlapelis, excerpts from his diary, and other historical documents that collectively tell the story of the Šlapelis family's enduring impact in Patagonia.