“Gardens”

Inspired by Lithuanian folk art ornaments called sodai, which turn strands of straw into 3D shapes, New York-based conceptual artist Ray Bartkus brings his glowing, modern interpretation of the ancient art form to the Harold Washington Library's Winter Garden. For three days, Bartkus will display a piece called Gardens that creates radient shapes from LED lights and aluminum frames. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lithuania’s restored statehood, the sculpture's presence in Chicago holds some additional significance, as the city hosts the largest population of Lithuanian people outside of Lithuania.