The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) invites you to celebrate the opening of Russia’s Native Mushrooms: Botanical Watercolors by Alexander Viazmensky, on Saturday, September 21, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. This event is included with museum admission (always FREE for TMORA Members).

Experience the vibrant world of Russian mushrooms through the stunning botanical watercolors of Alexander Viazmensky. Enjoy live music by award-winning cello duo Purple Orange and light refreshments throughout the event. At 1:30 PM, hear remarks by the Museum’s Curator, Executive Director and Collector Michael Peltsman, who will offer insights into the artist’s work and the unique significance of mushrooms in Russian culture.

The Museum is open to the public from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and this will be a festive day of celebrating in the galleries. No pre-registration is required—just bring your curiosity and appreciation for art and nature. We look forward to welcoming you!

During the Opening Celebration (12:00 – 2:00 PM), music will be provided by cello-duo Purple Orange (Jacqueline Ultan and Michelle Kinney)

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) presents an exhibition of watercolors by Alexander Viazmensky. The exhibition focuses on realistic depictions of Russia’s native mushrooms. Drawing on the collections of Michael Peltsman and the Rich Family, the exhibition includes 25 works by this prominent botanical artist. TMORA is grateful to the art collectors for their contributions.

These watercolors belong to the genre of botanical art.  True-to-life renderings of plants and fungi have been used by scholars and lovers of nature for many centuries.  As an art form, the genre fosters observation and appreciation of the functionality, diversity, and beauty of the living world.

Alexander Viazmensky paints mushrooms native to northern Russia, such as chanterelle, porcini, and birch mushrooms — a favorite food of the inhabitants of Russian forests, both people and animals. Viazmensky also paints poisonous mushrooms that the artist loves for their spectacular colors and shapes.

Alexander Viazmensky is a resident of St. Petersburg, Russia. He graduated from the Academy of Arts in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) in 1991.  His superb works can be found in museums and private collections around the world, including the Hunt Institute in Pittsburgh, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew Gardens, London.  He is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and one of the founders of the Russian Society of Mycology.

To learn more about the artist, visit www.alexandermushrooms.com

Russia’s Native Mushrooms: Botanical Watercolors by Alexander Viazmensky will be on view in the Fireside Gallery September 21, 2024 – February 9, 2025

Alexander Viazmensky
Amanita muscaria, 2001
Watercolor on paper
On loan from Michael Peltsman