When, back in July, 1995, an art gallery was opened in Dusetos, and the first high standard vernissage was organized – an exhibition of works by Šarūnas Sauka and Nomeda Saukienė, it was looked upon with suprise and hope. Sceptics christened it a „single summer“ gallery and foresaw an early end either because of financial anaemia or the flood of  „parish art“, whereas optimists uncertainly hoped that the gallery would survive a little bit longer  – a year or perhaps even two and would become an infectious example. People of Dusetos didn‘t pay too much attention to what was said about them and proved that sceptics were too sceptical and optimists not optimistic enough. They not only managed to organize an able „contingent“ and the audience interested in their own art and understanding it, but the gallery has also become a living centre of art and culture in the whole Zarasai region. The gallery functions normally, it organizes exhibitions of local artists as well as of guests – there have been displayed works of graphic art by N. Vilutienė and M. Vilutis, paintings by K. Petrulis, J. Mykolaitytė, G. Vitartaitė, V. Antanavičius, S. Paukštis‘ photographs…

How did it happen that such a miracle became possible in a small town? Obviously, it is not a one-day „revolution“. A seed was sown several decades ago, when teaching of art at Dusetos K. Būga gymnasium was intensified. In the long run a kernel of skilled art teachers devoted not only to pedagogics but also to creation formed in Dusetos.   

During the years of existence of the gallery there have formed certain traditions: at the end of the year exhibitions of miniatures by the artists of the Selonian region are arranged; every July, commemorating the foundation date of the gallery, the newest works of artists from Dusetos are traditionally displayed. 

And one more important thing – it is not possible to eradicate cultural province by efforts, persistent as they were, of single enthusiasts. Such efforts have to be understood and supported by local authorities, they have to be approved of and backed by local community. In Dusetos the combination of these three factors produced excellent results since the people of the region realize that „we will have as much as we put in“…