Go Local: Art From Russia With Love

Story by Lindsey Chester | March 15, 2010 | Tags: arts, cary, Community, Go Local, Shop & Dine

Cary, NC- On a recent visit to downtown Cary, I happened upon The Russian Art Gallery in Ashworth Village. This jewel of an art gallery is owned by Jiri Petrek and Olga Korol who have been in this location for 6 years.

I was intrigued by their gallery, which shows art mostly from Russian artists. The styles of Impressionism and Realism are in opposition to the Avant Garde that so many Americans associate with Russia in the years of Communism. I asked Olga about their choices.

“We present what we love and what we believe in,” she responded.

Artist - Alexander Melnikov

Jiri and Olga believe they offer a bridge between our two cultures.

They said that, for years, Russia was closed and that little was actually known about Russian art other than what the State promoted. Yet these classic styles flourished elsewhere, in France for example. People know Russia for ballet and their writers, yet their art was less well known.

Each summer Olga and Jiri take a 2 month journey, leaving the gallery in good hands, and discover new art that they will bring back to the gallery here in Cary. Their collection comes mainly from Moscow, St Petersburg, Irkutsk (Siberia) and Kazan. Jiri explained that they  ” not only like the art, but by knowing the artist” they are able to present the work better.

Currently in the gallery is a unique show of woven beaded jewelry by an artist who simply goes by Tatyana. Following this show, the gallery plans to host an exhibit of their favorite artist, Anotoly Kostovsky beginning April 2.  Kostovsky is an 83 year old artist whom Jiri describes as in “the old school style” working “the old fashioned way” in plein air from real models and still lifes. He still produces much art today. On their website, Olga has written a very interesting account of her last trip to Russia and her visit with Anotoly, entitled “Hello Russia”.

Olga and Jiri truly bring their art from Russia with love.

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This issue of CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.