Russian decorative arts fair opens in France

A Russian decorative artwork fair has opened in the Castle of Haroue, near Nancy, the historical capital of France's Lorraine. The show has been staged by Mme Masha Magaloff, President of the RYBINSK association. She says the idea behind the event is to revive traditional Russian lifestyle.

According to Mme Magaloff, all proceeds from the fair, to run through September 28, will go to support the needy children of Rybinsk, a Russian town on the Volga River.

The display features chinaware and bronze miniatures from St. Petersburg, engraved glass from the Volga area, jewelry in malachite and semi-precious gems from the Urals, and Vologda linen and lace, to give just a few examples.

According to Mme Magaloff, Europe and France, in particular, have no idea of how rich in creative talent Russia really is. The current exhibit has been organized to introduce Europeans to Russia's decorative arts and crafts so that they could appreciate the country's rich artistic and cultural traditions.

Masha Magaloff set up the RYBINSK association in 1993, when the town, where her father was born, was opened to foreign visitors. Her association provides cultural, social and economic assistance for the Rybinsk community and promotes French-Russian regional cooperation.