Museum of Russian Icons Spring 2019 Newsletter MoRI_SPRING_2019_newsletter web | Page 2

Jacques' Menagerie: A Celebratory Opening
and Conversation with the Collectors
From the
Curator’s Desk
One of the many benefits of working
for a Museum located in a region so
rich with culture is the opportunity to
collaborate with fellow institutions.
The exhibition currently on display in
the West Gallery came from a partner-
ship with the Fitchburg Art Museum.
Konstantin Simun: The Sacred in the
Profane was organized by Dr. Lisa
Crossman, FAM’s curator, and dis-
plays selected works from this highly
regarded Russian artist. In May the
Museums will offer free admission to
each other’s members, and in 2020 and
2021 two more exhibitions have been
scheduled with FAM as our partner.
With so many opportunities for col-
laboration, the auditorium has become
a de facto contemporary art gallery.
The show occupying this space until
July is curated by the Ballets Russes
Arts Initiative’s executive director,
Anna Winestein. Jacques’ Menagerie:
Hnizdovsky Prints from the Christine
and George Gamota Collection came
from a distinguished private collection
in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Even the glass case in the Tea Room
has been commandeered to showcase
the enthusiasm and passion of local
collectors as a nod to Museum founder,
Gordon Lankton.
With these partnerships come new
audiences and opportunities to share
our beloved permanent collection. We
hope you’ll come by often to see these
exciting and fresh exhibitions, and visit
our partner organizations as well.
Happy Spring!
Kent Russell, CEO/Curator
2 | SPRING 2019
April 6, 2:00-4:00pm
Free with admission
Ballets Russes Arts Initiative Members
get two for one admission to the
opening and during the run of the
exhibition.
Join us for a celebratory opening of this
special exhibit of Jacques Hnizdovsky's
dynamic prints. Anna Winestein,
Executive Director of Ballets Russes
Arts Initiative will moderate a conver-
sation with collectors Christina and
George Gamota, whose extensive art
holdings include numerous Ukrainian,
European and American artists as well
as African art and mid-century mod-
ern design. They will share personal
stories of meeting Hnizdovsky, assem-
bling their collection over 60 years,
and living with art in their residences,
which have been featured in numerous
national publications and books, includ-
ing Glamour Magazine and Boston
Magazine. Curator Anna Winestein
will lead the discussion with the
Gamotas, exploring their unique vision
and taste. A wine reception celebrating
the opening of the exhibition will follow
the conversation.
Summer Solstice
Concert & Celebration
Saturday June 22, 2:00-4:30pm
Concert, 2:00pm; Reception 3:30pm
MoRI and BRAI Members:
$25 before June 16, $30 after June 16
Nonmembers:
$30 before June 16, $35 after June 16
At the door: $40
Purchase tickets at https://morisolstice.eventbrite.com
Internationally renowned cellist and Tchaikovsky prize-winner Yosif Feigelson
brings his artistry to the Museum of Russian Icons with a wide-ranging pro-
gram for solo cello.
Presented by Ballets Russes Arts Initiative in connection with the exhibit
Jacques’ Menagerie, the concert will feature music by Bach, Prokofiev and
Albeniz as well as Mieczyslaw Weinberg and Gaspar Cassado. It will be fol-
lowed by a wine reception.