“The Šlapelis Family – Colonists of Patagonia”

On September 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the exhibition “The Šlapelis Family – Colonists of Patagonia” opens at the Marija and Jurgis Šlapelis House-Museum. This is a joint photographic study by photographer Mykolas Juodelė and graphic designer Sandra Rivero, telling the story of the Šlapelis family in Patagonia. The exhibition will run until November 28.

1897. Izidorius Šlapelis and his grandson Juozas, hitching three horses, set out on a journey across the harsh and unexplored land of Patagonia, towards the Musters and Colhué Huapi lakes. By decree of the then-President of Argentina, José Evaristo Uriburu, a site was designated there for a new colony, and land was generously promised to the settlers. After an 18-day journey, Izidorius and Juozas reached the shore of Lake Colhué Huapi, where they were met by several families of the local Tehuelche tribe. Using a mixture of clay and straw, the Šlapelis family made bricks and built their first house – thus beginning the history of the town of Sarmiento.

In the surroundings of Sarmiento, the Šlapelis name is still famous today – streets, schools, and an airfield are named after them. The Šlapelis family established the first library in the town, Juozas Šlapelis became the first photographer of Sarmiento, and Kazimieras Šlapelis became famous as a pioneer of Patagonian aviation.

Alongside Mykolas Juodelė's photographs, the exhibition features archival shots by Juozas Šlapelis, excerpts from his diary, and other documents testifying to the history of the Šlapelis family in Patagonia.