“Silver Strings” by Alexander Maltsev (w/ permission to CHS)

The Russian Community Center of Seattle provides a historic canvas for the community to engage in cultural gatherings. This weekend it adds some paint.

“Russian art is famous not only for the ballet but also for its strong school of drawing and painting,” says Elena Wendelyn, a Russian artist involved with a monthly art gathering at the center.

The weekend’s events are put on by a local collective of Russian artists and will include “paintings to printmaking, traditional Russian realism to abstract works and installations,” and give attendees a chance, “to meet the artists, watch demonstrations, and participate in art projects,” says Wendelyn.

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The art event found its home in the history steeped center on 19th Avenue. The building was originally home to the Roycroft Theater built in 1925, which a 2002 City of Seattle survey calls, “the most ornate (of) the city’s few remaining neighborhood theaters.” It would become home for the Russian Community Center in 1960 following the theaters closure and the center’s relocation from 17th Avenue.

Starting the monthly art shows required some investment in the old theater space. The artist collective decided that while the creation of art is important, the presentation of it takes work as well. “All the committed artists decided to chip in to buy lights, install the hanging system and do some minor alterations to the small hall where we usually have our shows…to print postcards,” Wendelyn said.

Despite humble beginnings the events are starting to garner attention,“We have not counted people (attending)  yet, but I would make a guess from a few people for the rainy night opening to a few hundred during last (month’s) group show.”

The volunteer group will continue to hold arts events and encourages others to get involved, regardless of nationality, “We have a steady group of artists who are committed to this project, so each of them will have an opportunity to have a solo show during the upcoming year, and participate in two group shows. We hope to attract more artists, no matter of nationality,” Wendelyn said.

Here are the details for this weekend’s event:

Show opens Saturday, 12 to 9 PM , Artist Reception from 6-9
Sunday 12 -9

Address: 704 19th Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112

Phone: (206) 323-3877

Artists include: Nikolay Samoukov, Alexander Maltsev, Viktor Sirotin, George and Marina Woodall, Emiliya Lane, James Brown, Irina Kirienko Milton, Garri Dadyan, Vyacheslav Yesayan, Sergei Kartashov, Tatyana Brown, Natasha Villone, Maria Marcy, Elena Wendelyn, Vasily Serov, Tatyana Deynega and Elena Balekha.

In the gallery room, following our tradition, we will also display the work of the students of our several instructors: Nikolay Samoykov, Vyacheslav Yesayan, Emiliya Lane, and Irina Kirienko Milton.

You will have the opportunity to meet the artists, watch demonstrations, and participate in art projects.
Reception: Saturday, November 17, 6-9 pm.

Info via Facebook Page

In December the event will run a little longer than two days however — try nine! Here is the run down Wendelyn provided to CHS. From December 8th to the 16th, a nine day show will feature works by three exceptional artists: Irina  Kirienko Milton, Natasha Villone, and Garri Dadyan.

You can check the Seattle Russian ART Facebook page for future updates.