On Saturday, January 12, The Museum of Russian Art hosted a painting workshop for children to accompany our current exhibit, Discovering 20th Century Masters: Nicolai Fechin. The children were taught how to paint a still-life. Participants were given free passes to the Museum to investigate how Nicolai Fechin employed still-life objects in his work. The event was a great success and we are planning future painting workshops for children as well as adults.
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On December 15th and 16th visitors to The Museum of Russian Art enjoyed several performances by the St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral Choir. The choir sang harmonized chant melodies from monasteries throughout Russia in keeping with the Old-Believer traditions presented in our exhibition Cast Icons: Preserving Sacred Traditions.
We are currently planning events for 2013. A panel discussion, workshop, and vodka tasting are all events to look forward to in the near future. Check back often for updates!
Geli Mikhailovic Korzhev, prominent 20th century Russian painter, died this week.
Born in 1925 in Moscow, Korzhev’s personal philosophy and artistic career were influenced by the social context and standards that defined life in the Soviet Union. Evacuated as a teenager from Moscow during the Second World War, Korzhev later graduated from the prestigious Surikov Institute in 1950.
Korzhev was a teacher at the Stroganov Institute of Art in Moscow, and also a member of the Union of Soviet Artists. In 1968, he became the chairman of the Moscow branch of that organization. His paintings are part of major Russian collections and have been displayed in North America at the Smithsonian Institution, the Guggenheim Museum, and other institutions.
In 2007, The Museum of Russian Art staged the first retrospective of Korzhev’s work held in America. In collaboration with curators at the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg) and the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), Raising the Banner: The Art of Geli Korzhev featured 61 paintings from throughout Korzhev’s prolific career.
Works by Korzhev can be seen now at The Museum of Russian Art, both in The Anniversary Celebration: A Decade of Russian Art and Culture and in the Discovery Corner.
Our first annual fundraiser, Russian Fest, was held October 27, 2012. With 200 guests in attendance, 5 performing ensembles, and dozens of different foods, Russian Fest was a true success. Below are some pictures from the event, taken by Tom Dunn Photography. To see more photos from Russian Fest, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheMuseumofRussianArt
TMORA’s Main Gallery
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Auditions for the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be held at The Museum of Russian Art. Youth dancers from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas are encouraged to audition to fill ancillary roles in the Ballet’s performances at the Orpheum Theater, December 7 and 8. Don’t miss this opportunity to dance alongside the Moscow Ballet’s corps of Russian dancers in this critically acclaimed performance. For more information, please visit the Moscow Ballet’s website at http://www.nutcracker.com/yourcity/minneapolis-mn
Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Tickets $5 for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Registration is full for this event.
Join The Museum of Russian Art and The Loft Literary Center for an evening with celebrated authors, Robert Alexander and Douglas Smith. Reading an excerpt from his new book, Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy, Douglas Smith will follow up with a Q&A session. With an introduction by Robert Alexander, author of numerous historical novels, this event is sure to tickle your literary fancy. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Denis Evstuhin (piano) and Philip Zawisza (baritone)
Featuring works composed by Tchaikovsky, Mussogorsky, Balakirev, and Rachmaninov
Saturday, September 22, 2012 – 5:00 pm
Tickets $20 for Members, $25 for Non-Members
Registration is required and will open soon.
Join us for another evening of musical splendor at TMORA’s Music at the Museum series. Acclaimed pianist, Denis Evstuhin returns with baritone soloist Philip Zawisza. Enjoy music and cocktails from the cash bar during this performance.
Advanced registration is required for this event. $20 for Members, $25 for Non-Members.
To register, please visit www.tmora.org/events
Renowned Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin was born in Kazan, Russia and immigrated to the United States in 1923. He is regarded as one of the great Russian masters and his paintings are captivating examples of Russian painting tradition.