SOUTH PARIS — Award-Winning Russian Artist and Educator Marina Forbes will offer a unique program on the rich, Russian folk tradition of Matryoshka (wooden nested doll) painting during the Moore Park Art Show on July 30, according to an art show news release. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 6. Forbes is ending a week-long tour of art shows in Maine with this workshop.

This hands-on painting workshop is open to adults, teens and families with children 6 and older. It is an opportunity for adults and families to work together and learn about Russian crafts and culture.

Matryoshka Nested Dolls Contributed photo

A Matryoshka Nested Doll Painting Workshop will be held all day July 30 (rain date Aug. 6) at the Moore Park Art Show. Led by award-winning Russian Artist Marina Forbes, the workshop is designed for adults, teens and families with children age 6 and older. This is a unique opportunity to expand cultural horizons through hands-on creation of an authentic piece of traditional art. Contributed photo

The goal is for each participant to produce a finished piece of Russian folk art on wood. Students can work on seven-, five-, three- or one-piece Matryoshka sets. Students also can choose from hand-carved wooden toys and animals such as firebirds, dogs, cats, and whistles, wooden boxes, Faberge inspired eggs and Baba Yaga — wicked witch of Russia. Throughout the workshop, students will listen to traditional Russian music.

The cost starts at $15 and includes a wooden shape and instruction. Paints and brushes are supplied for use during the workshop.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer such a rich program that brings another world of art and culture into our show this year,” said show director Aranka Matolcsy, according to the release.

Forbes is an award-winning artist and master Iconographer: 2013, 2014 and 2015 awards for Artistic Excellence granted by The National Endowment for the Arts and The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. She is an art historian with 20 years of experience teaching in the US, Europe and Russia and is listed on the New Hampshire Humanities Council Roster as a speaker on Russian Arts, History and Culture as well as the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts’ Rosters for Traditional Arts, Arts in Education, Arts in Healthcare.

Forbes offers between 75 and 100 presentations and workshops each year throughout the New England area on Russian art, daily life, history, iconography, social issues and culture.

For information about the Forbes’ workshop, go to www.mooreparkartshow.biz. For more information about Forbes art and programs, visit www.marinaforbes.com.

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