NOTE FROM ELIZABETH:  The art treasures of Russia are magnificent.  On our many trips to Russia we have brought back paintings, prints, watercolors and other works of art that now hang in our home reminding us of the beauty and history of this amazing land.  Now we invite you to join us as we return to once again discover Russia and her beauty and perhaps return with a piece of art or two that will keep her story alive in your hearts and home.

a Profound change

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When Mark and I first visited Russia in 1990 we discovered a country that was rich in history and culture, but communisms mark was undeniable on the hearts and minds of her people.

While shopping on Arbat Street in Moscow we found a young artist whose watercolors were dramatic in the story they told.  He explained it represents what the people of Russia were experiencing as the door to the West opened, "allowing freedom's light to enter our meager existence."

The absolute joy was palpable as we saw people discover freedoms that had been denied them for most of the century. 

A second watercolor by this same artist was another comment on life in communist Russia.  PRAVDA was the only source of information, and nourishment was scarce, with vodka being a staple.  Obviously, there is a hole where his heart should be, and that sad commentary was another evidence that communism had deprived Russians of essential freedoms.  Notice the spider. 

Christ Visits Russia

A copy of this painting was presented to Mark by a Russian Orthodox priest.  Later, as Mark inquired of Metropolitan Peterim, one of the leaders of that church, he confirmed that this painting by Nestorov, represents a Russian folk tale that Christ visited Russian peasants after his resurrection . . . A startling revelation for some, and a puzzling story for others, but evidence of a Christian tradition that has survived communism's efforts to erase the faith of the generations that came before.