Grand opening of the personal exhibition of artist Mikhail Nefyodov

On July 7, the Pushkin Cultural Center hosted the grand opening of artist Mikhail Nefedov's solo exhibition, “About Family, Love Through Time and Eternity.” The opening of the exhibition was timed to coincide with Family, Love, and Fidelity Day.

The event was attended by Tatyana Larionova, Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation; Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan; Irina Volynets, Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan; Zilia Valeeva, Chair of the Public Chamber of the Republic of Tatarstan; Deputy Chair of the Council of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan; Chair of the regional public organization “Russian National Cultural Association of the Republic of Tatarstan” Irina Aleksandrovskaya, Deputy Chair of the Committee of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan on Culture, Science, Education, and National Issues Lyudmila Rybakova, Head of the Civil Registry Office of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan Gulshat Nigmatullina, Head of the Commission on Family, Motherhood and Childhood of the Kazan Diocese, Priest Yaroslav Petruschenkov, representatives of the public and cultural spheres.

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, Irada Ayupova, addressed the guests with a welcoming speech.

“In anticipation of the holiday of family, love, and fidelity, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mikhail Kuzmich, and your family. You are absolutely right—art is not just a craft, but a state of mind. And the light that flows from your paintings conveys the harmony and beauty of your world,” said Irada Ayupova.

Artists Ramzil Aubakirov and Elena Kalyuzhnaya from the Cultural Center performed at the opening ceremony, as did Vera Selyunina and Georgy Alexandrov, students of Children's Music School No. 4.

In 2023, the Nefedovs will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Yaroslav Petruschenkov's father conveyed the congratulations of Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan and Tatarstan to Mikhail Kuzmich and Galina Grigorievna and presented them with a letter of gratitude.

"We left Kazan in 1964 and returned more than 30 years later. Mikhail Kuzmich began painting pictures of Raifa, and the abbot of the monastery, Father Vsevolod, now deceased, attracted him to the work, gave him a workshop and inspiration. We are very grateful to him for this. We believe and know that the Mother of God has taken us in! Today, thanks to her and your kind hearts, so many of our friends have gathered here. May God grant you health, happiness, and love!" said Galina Nefedova.

Mikhail Nefedov's exhibition will run until September 13. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The address of the A.S. Pushkin Cultural Center is 26 Karl Marx Street.

Admission is free.

The project is being implemented in conjunction with the Kazan Diocese Commission on Family Issues.