From Russia with Art

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Hours:	11-7
Ages:	Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Indoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	Arts & Culture

The From Russia With Art Gallery in Cambridge, MA opened in July 2010. Though it temporarily closed its physical doors at Porter Sq. in January 2012, it maintains an internet presence and features moving exhibitions, selling and building knowledge of contemporary Russian – American art.

The gallery owners, Jerry and Olesya Koenig enjoy special relationships with their artists including Alexander Vetrov, Irina Makoveeva, George Lapchinsky, Alexander Korman, Ekaterina Khromin, Anatoly Dverin, Masha Volkova, Misha Lenn, Vladimir Volosov, Tatiana Yanovskaya-Sink and others. Their work encompasses several different media, including oil paintings, water color, sculptures, etchings and mixed-media pieces.

Olesya and Jerry Koenig met in Moscow in 1992, where he was working at the time. They collected art and developed close relationships with Russian artists and in discussions with them, discovered a significant portion of their artwork was not only sold to Russians but also to Americans and other expatriates in Russia.

They also discovered, these “Honored Artists” and “People’s Artists” sold very little of their artwork directly into the United States. Upon the couple’s move to the United States, they used these ties to enrich the Cambridge community by opening a two level gallery at Porter Square. The displayed artwork appeals not only to Russian émigrés and native Americans but to anyone who appreciates excellent artwork.

The Koenigs quickly became part of the intellectual atmosphere of the area. Indeed, the desire to learn about something as-of-yet undiscovered proved a great draw in the curious-by-nature community. Students and academics have shown interest not only in the art but in Russian culture. During 2 years of business, about 15 opening receptions took place, where the gallery served as the base for various Russian cultural events.

As a member of the Cambridge Arts Council, From Russia With Art Gallery participated in the Cambridge Open Studios in 2010, 11 & 12. They are active in art therapy and work with several non-profit charity organizations such as; Palliative Care Initiative and Help Journal. They also have participated in exhibitions at Children’s Hospital, Boston (2 times) in the “Art For Kool Kids” Exhibition and at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (5 times) in the Illuminations Exhibitions. They are also active members of the Russian American Cultural Center of Boston At Russia Wharf (www.racc-boston.org). The Gallery is open by appointment, Wednesday through Sunday. The owners of the gallery are members of Cambridge Local First.

They organize and participate in numerous exhibitions throughout the Boston, Cape Cod & New England area such as; AD 20/21, Art & Design of the 20th & 21st Centuries & The Boston Print Fair at the Cyclorama in Boston and the From Russia With Art & Culture Festival at the Newton Cultural Center (20-22 April 2012), which had great success and was featured in a Boston Globe article. It is recommended to join the gallery’s email list in order to know the when and where of its future exhibitions.

WEBSITE

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www.centermakor.org/makor-events/from-russia-with-art-autumn-exhibit.html

LOCATION

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1845 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA, 02135 map
Phone: 617-771-4870

1845 Commonwealth Ave, Brighton, MA 02135

Address: 1845 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton, MA 02135

Email: info@centermakor.org

Tel: 617-771-4870

By the T:

Take the Green Line 'B' train to the 'Chiswick' stop. This stop is at the corner of Chiswick Street & Commonwealth Ave., 1/2 block from our Center.

Or take the Green Line 'C' or 'D' train to the 'Reservoir' stop ('Cleveland Circle'). Take a right onto Chestnut Hill Avenue and walk to Commonwealth Ave. Cross Commonwealth Ave., and turn right. Our Center is on the left, about 1 block down.

Coming from downtown Boston:

Take Commonwealth Avenue from Kenmore square/Back Bay area. Stay on Commonwealth Avenue past Boston University going towards Boston College. After Washington Street but just before Chestnut Hill Avenue Center Makor is on your right.