Museum of Russian Icons Summer 2018 Newsletter MoRI_Summer_2018 web | Página 4

Russkie Posidelki A Fond Farewell to Tara
Our twist on the rural Slavic custom
of posidelki is an opportunity to
learn about various aspects of
Russian culture while enjoying tea,
treats, and engaging conversation.
A different topic is explored each
month. In April, the entire staff of the Museum assembled
at Clinton’s Bar and Grille to say goodbye to Deputy
Director Tara Young. It was an occasion to celebrate her
work and let her know how much we have appreciated
her as a leader and colleague. Tara left us to pursue her
academic career as an instructor in the Tufts University
Museum Studies program, and to begin a consulting
practice. She will continue her association with the
Museum as a consultant on a number of important
projects.
July 5, 6:00-8:00pm
Russian history portrayed in three
classic Russian operas.
August 2, 6:00-8:00pm
The history and tradition of Palekh
folk art.
September
No posidelki this month.
Tara came to the Museum of Russian Icons eight years ago as the Deputy Director.
In that position, she developed interpretive programs such as the audio tour system
and the volunteer docent program; initiated the foreign travel tours; and organized
the week-long intensive icon class by the renowned Prosopon School of Iconology,
now in its ninth annual iteration. In addition, Tara authored innumerable grants
and educational materials, notably winning a regional New England Museum
Association Publication Award for the Museum’s Discovery Guide. Most recently,
Tara spearheaded the lengthy application process for accreditation from the
American Alliance of Museums, which the Museum was awarded in 2016.
Her quiet competence, calm authority, and good humor will be missed by all of us
at the Museum.
Children’s Workshops
Matryoshka and Me!
Lecture & Demo
It’s All About GOLD
with Birgit Straehle
Sunday, July 8 and
Saturday, August 4
12:30-1:30pm in English
2:00-3:00pm in Russian
Sunday, July 22, 2:00pm
Free with admission, but must pre-
register* by calling 978.598.5000 x121.
For ages 7+.
In this interactive program, matryoshka
collector and Museum Docent Larissa
Dyan teaches the history of the Russian
nesting doll, and tells the
Russian folk tale “The Magic
Swan-Geese” (“Gusi-
Lebedi”) with the help
of matryoshki from her
personal collection.
*Pre-register by Friday,
July 6, for July 8 workshop,
and by Thursday, August
2, for August 4 workshop.
Members $10, Nonmembers $15
Pre-registration suggested at
978.598.5000 x121
Art conservator Birgit Straehle leads
a visual journey of the use of gold leaf
throughout art history, touching on
the manufacture of gold leaf as well as
various application methods, especially
techniques used on icons. Guests will
also have the opportunity to watch a
gilding demonstration and take a closer
look at gilding tools and materials. The
gold-themed afternoon will conclude
with a brief guided tour through the
galleries to view some beautifully gilded
artworks.   
Birgit Straehle holds an MA in art
history and a Diploma in paintings
and sculpture conservation, and has
worked with gold leaf for 25 years.
She is currently an Assistant Paintings
Conservator at the Worcester Art
Museum.
Call 978.598.5000 x121 to register for programs
6 | SUMMER 2018