The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners and the Seminole Cultural Arts Council (SCAC) recognized 2 Artists of the Year for 2023 at the latest County Commissioners’ meeting.      

This year breaks with tradition by honoring not one, but two collaborating local artists, Saulius J. Jankauskas, MD (glass art and glass enamels) and Irma Kirveliene (internationally recognized faux finisher, muralist and restorer of fine furniture).     

Both organizations realize the important role the arts play in the quality of life of Seminole County residents. Accordingly, they acknowledge the contributions each year of an individual Cultural Artist (performer, visual artist, historian or author) who is a resident of Seminole County and contributes time and talent for the enrichment of Seminole County.     

Longwood based board-certified plastic surgeon Saulius J. Jankauskas, MD and Irma Kirveliene, both of Lithuanian descent, both premier artists in their own right, pooled their considerable talents and dedicated their time for the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center at the historic Ritz Theater in downtown Sanford, transforming the interior of the theater with art deco-inspired walls hung with Saulius’ original art glass sconces.       

Saulius J. Jankauskas, MD, a native of Detroit with a love of poetry, Lithuanian folklore, and religion, who has glass creations in private, corporate and museum collections, is also the head of research and development at Unique Glass Colors, LLC in Casselberry, developing new products and creating solutions to problems in glass enamels, and has served on the SCAC board for more than 10 years. 

Irma Kirveliene, a graduate of Vilnius Academy of Art in Vilnius, Lithuania, is passionate about painting on canvas, mural art, and classical music, with exhibitions in the U.S. and Europe, often collaborates on residential and commercial projects with interior and large-scale event designers and donates her time and talent to Ronald McDonald Charities.