Russian Children’s Art
through Sunday, February 19th
Again, the RUSSIA INITIATIVE of The United Methodist Church features the children of Russia as they reflect on their land, culture and homes of Russia.
In 1998, the first Art Exhibit came from Russia and toured Virginia for two and a half years. The pieces were exhibited in churches, Museums, schools, Retirement Centers and the Virginia Annual Conference. Thousands of people visited and viewed the pictures and were caught up with the color and expression by children from 6 to 13. Elementary Schools bused hundreds of children to view the paintings.
The art comes from seven schools in southern Russia in the Stavropol District and was enlisted by the Russian Peace Foundation. This organization has worked in the past with student, business person, and church exchanges from Russia to the USA and from the USA to Russia. There was a competition held in the schools for the students to have their work a part of this exhibit. Each painting has the student name, age, and the title of their painting.
The present exhibit will again tour Virginia for at least two years. It is hoped that Americans will feel the sense of joy and hope that the children of Russia have expressed through their creativity.
This time the art pieces have been split into two exhibits that will be touring different places simultaneously. The exhibit is sponsored by the Russia Initiative of The United Methodist Church, the Virginia Conference and has been coordinated by Rev. Jerry John who has spent considerable time visiting and teaching in Russia.
