Native Russian Marina Forbes will lead a Create Your Own Russian Nesting Doll Workshop on December 6 at 10:00 am. The event takes place at the Auburn Public Library located at 49 Spring Street in Auburn.

This unique illustrated and interactive presentation/workshop provides a wonderful opportunity for families with children (age 6 and up), teens and adults to learn about the rich folk tradition of Russian Matryoshka (wooden nesting doll) making and to create a finished piece of authentic Russian folk art on wood. It is a great opportunity for children and families to work together and learn about Russian crafts and culture. Participants will hear the story of the Matryoshka doll and will learn about her traditional Russian dress and customs. Traditional Russian painting techniques and floral and berry designs are also introduced. Throughout the workshop, students will be listening to traditional Russian music, and there will be a demonstration of a few steps from a traditional Russian “matryoshka dance.” The slide-show presentation will include a quick visit to a doll-making factory in rural Russia to see the stages in the doll making process, and some beautiful examples of the finest Matryoshka artwork available in Russia to stimulate creativity and imagination.

The previous evening, December 5 at 6:00 pm, there will be a separate optional component where Marina will be giving a talk on the history of  the Russian Matryoshka doll.

For more information or to register, please contact the Auburn Public Library by email or call 207-333-6640 Ext 4.

Marina Forbes is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia. For more than 20 years, she has been an active artist, historian, storyteller, lecturer and teacher in the area of Russian art, culture, language and folklore, offering more than 75 workshops, courses, and presentations each year both in Russia and throughout the New England area. Marina is an accomplished painter of traditional Russian icons (egg tempera/gold leaf on wood), traditional Russian Matryoshkas (nested dolls), and numerous traditional Russian craft items. Many of her works are in private collections in Russia, Italy and the United States. Marina is currently the Director of International Programs at the New England Language Center in Rochester where she coordinates cultural exchange programs, teaches Russian culture and language, and leads art-related tours to Russia each year. She is an active watercolorist and art teacher and regularly does dramatic performances of Russian fairy tales. Marina has a distinctive ability to generate energy and enthusiasm in the classroom and to bring the rich fabric of traditional Russian art and folklore to life for children of all ages. She is a unique and valuable resource for schools wishing to introduce their students to Russian culture and arts through memorable and thought-provoking workshops and presentations.

This presentation is hosted by the Auburn Public Library in anticipation of the 28th Annual Camden Conference: Russia Resurgent, February 20-22, 2015. The mission of the Camden Conference is to foster informed discourse on world issues.