|
|
|
|
|
|
|
International Quilt Festival in Suzdal
|
|
|
August 03-09
Suzdal 
 Russian Quilters Association, with the support of the mayor of Suzdal, the Governor of Vladimir region, and the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve presents international Quilt Festival, which will be held on August 3-9, 2015 in Suzdal.
The Festival will bring together quilters and their works from all over Russia and other countries. For the first time 12 unique exhibitions will be collected once in one single event.
The Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery with the support of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve will host the exhibition of vintage fabrics from the Russian Museum of Ivanovo Chintz, the exhibition of antique quilts of XIX century from America with the support of Moda Fabrics, and the exhibition of quilts for the art project The Quilted Field.
The Festival also presents the exhibition of contemporary patchworks from Japan. Ms. Yoko Sayito will visit the festival as the Guest of Honor of the Festival, who is the real world legend of patchwork, and is widely known throughout the world.
The Festival presents several exhibitions closely associated with Russian traditions of patchwork. At the Cultural center of Suzdal we bring together authentic objects and interiors of the Soviet era, including patchwork and stitched fabrics exclusively from the Soviet period. "Nostalgia for Chintz or Fabrics born in the USSR" is the exhibition, which will celebrate the importance and beauty of calico and linen fabrics from the time of the Soviet Union. The project will also resent the exhibition of fabrics and installations from the richest private collection of Tamara Sanchez, a well-known artist, designer, master and teacher.
Also in the local library will be held three exhibitions about textile dolls. The first exhibition present dolls made for the contest of our Festival, and the rest two exhibitions will talk about the traditions of crafts in Russia and get acquainted with primitive dolls from a magnificent collection of Tatiana Bassova, a recognized expert of the Russian traditional textile dolls.
Among the activities of the Festival there are an exhibition of photographs "The World Made of Patches", an exhibition of works of children's patchwork clubs from across the country, an exhibition of Yakut masters, quilted scarecrows, installation of a quilted tents, an exhibition of quilted bags and an exhibition "The Magic Birds" dedicated to the symbol of the Festival - a magic bird from Russian medieval legends.
Russian participants of the Festival will compete for the prize for Best patchwork of Russia in the largest and most prestigious competition "The Soul of Russia", the main prize with the support of well-known American manufacturer of fabrics Moda Fabrics will be a trip for two to the largest quilt Festival in the world in Houston in October this year. Works of participants will be presented at the largest exhibition of the Festival.
The most significant event of the Festival will be the creation of a large patchwork quilt - The Quilted Field that literally will be collected from the works of the participants on the field in Suzdal Kremlin on August 8, the Day of celebration of the city of Suzdal. Any quilter can submit her or his work to be the part of a larger canvas, and after the Festival take another quilter's work on August 9 at the closing day of the Festival . Since the works will include the name and address of the author, then, having received a quilt of another person at the end of the project, the participant can find a new friend.
For the first time Russian quilters invites all guests and artists to take part in the Quilt Carnival - the folk festivities going through the streets of ancient Suzdal, accompanied by folk ensembles of musicians and singers. To participate in the festivities one needs to dress in patchwork costume that guests sew themselves in advance or buy at a local fair. Carnival will be part of a municipal program to celebrate the Day of the city of Suzdal on August 8.
During the Festival numerous workshops, master-shows and sales as well as cultural programs with excursions around the city and surrounding area will be organized.
 The Festival is held in one of the major historical and tourist centers of Russia - the ancient town of Suzdal (220 km from Moscow) cultural space in the saturated Russian Middle Ages. Within one week of the Festival, the guests will get acquainted with the scenic beauty of Suzdal, which remained unchanged since the XIX century as a city-museum under the open sky. Celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2014, Suzdal still preserves real treasures of medieval Russian architecture orthodox churches and monasteries, wooden buildings - more than 200 historic sites in an area of 9 square km. Since the construction of high-rise buildings was prohibited in Suzdal, the city was able to carry through time the unique atmosphere of the ancient settlement, where only the heads of churches and spires of the bell towers rise on the horizon.
Russian Quilters Association, with the support of the mayor of Suzdal, the Governor of Vladimir region, and the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve presents international Quilt Festival, which will be held on August 3-9, 2015 in Suzdal.
The Festival will bring together quilters and their works from all over Russia and other countries. For the first time 12 unique exhibitions will be collected once in one single event.
The Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery with the support of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve will host the exhibition of vintage fabrics from the Russian Museum of Ivanovo Chintz, the exhibition of antique quilts of XIX century from America with the support of Moda Fabrics, and the exhibition of quilts for the art project The Quilted Field.
The Festival also presents the exhibition of contemporary patchworks from Japan. Ms. Yoko Sayito will visit the festival as the Guest of Honor of the Festival, who is the real world legend of patchwork, and is widely known throughout the world.
The Festival presents several exhibitions closely associated with Russian traditions of patchwork. At the Cultural center of Suzdal we bring together authentic objects and interiors of the Soviet era, including patchwork and stitched fabrics exclusively from the Soviet period. "Nostalgia for Chintz or Fabrics born in the USSR" is the exhibition, which will celebrate the importance and beauty of calico and linen fabrics from the time of the Soviet Union. The project will also resent the exhibition of fabrics and installations from the richest private collection of Tamara Sanchez, a well-known artist, designer, master and teacher.
Also in the local library will be held three exhibitions about textile dolls. The first exhibition present dolls made for the contest of our Festival, and the rest two exhibitions will talk about the traditions of crafts in Russia and get acquainted with primitive dolls from a magnificent collection of Tatiana Bassova, a recognized expert of the Russian traditional textile dolls.
Among the activities of the Festival there are an exhibition of photographs "The World Made of Patches", an exhibition of works of children's patchwork clubs from across the country, an exhibition of Yakut masters, quilted scarecrows, installation of a quilted tents, an exhibition of quilted bags and an exhibition "The Magic Birds" dedicated to the symbol of the Festival - a magic bird from Russian medieval legends.
Russian participants of the Festival will compete for the prize for Best patchwork of Russia in the largest and most prestigious competition "The Soul of Russia", the main prize with the support of well-known American manufacturer of fabrics Moda Fabrics will be a trip for two to the largest quilt Festival in the world in Houston in October this year. Works of participants will be presented at the largest exhibition of the Festival.
The most significant event of the Festival will be the creation of a large patchwork quilt - The Quilted Field that literally will be collected from the works of the participants on the field in Suzdal Kremlin on August 8, the Day of celebration of the city of Suzdal. Any quilter can submit her or his work to be the part of a larger canvas, and after the Festival take another quilter's work on August 9 at the closing day of the Festival . Since the works will include the name and address of the author, then, having received a quilt of another person at the end of the project, the participant can find a new friend.
For the first time Russian quilters invites all guests and artists to take part in the Quilt Carnival - the folk festivities going through the streets of ancient Suzdal, accompanied by folk ensembles of musicians and singers. To participate in the festivities one needs to dress in patchwork costume that guests sew themselves in advance or buy at a local fair. Carnival will be part of a municipal program to celebrate the Day of the city of Suzdal on August 8.
During the Festival numerous workshops, master-shows and sales as well as cultural programs with excursions around the city and surrounding area will be organized.
The Festival is held in one of the major historical and tourist centers of Russia - the ancient town of Suzdal (220 km from Moscow) cultural space in the saturated Russian Middle Ages. Within one week of the Festival, the guests will get acquainted with the scenic beauty of Suzdal, which remained unchanged since the XIX century as a city-museum under the open sky. Celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2014, Suzdal still preserves real treasures of medieval Russian architecture orthodox churches and monasteries, wooden buildings - more than 200 historic sites in an area of 9 square km. Since the construction of high-rise buildings was prohibited in Suzdal, the city was able to carry through time the unique atmosphere of the ancient settlement, where only the heads of churches and spires of the bell towers rise on the horizon.
Contests
The Soul of Russia
 Partner of the competition - the American company, the largest manufacturer of fabrics in the USA - Moda Fabrics. The Soul of Russia is the main competition of our Festival. The quilts for this contest will be chosen with special care. The best works of the contest will be the basis of a traveling international exhibition, which will be presented in various countries in the 2015-2016. The winner of the Soul of Russia will receive the Grand Prix of the Festival - a trip for two to the largest and the most prestigious event in the world - International Quilt Festival in Houston, USA. The winners in 7 categories of the competition will receive prizes. The international jury of 7 people (4 Russian and 3 foreign renowned quilters) will announce the names of the winners on August 4. Awarding of winners will be held on August 9 during the closing ceremony of the Festival.
Art-project "Quilted Field"
The one of the most memorable events of the Festival is the art project Quilted Field. All submitted works will be tied together on a large field in Suzdal. This will happen on August 8 during the Town Day of Suzdal when a huge number of visitors and tourists come here. Put together, this patchwork will reveal for guests of the Festival the diversity of traditions near and distant parts of Russia, the culture of other countries and peoples.
Nostalgia for the Chintz Fabrics or Born in the USSR
The main idea of the contest Nostalgia for the chintz fabrics, or born in the USSR is to create a patchwork that is made exclusively from the fabrics of the Soviet era. We understand that it will be hard to find accessories and threads of the time, so according to the rules of the contest it is allowed partly to use modern materials, but that the fabrics should be produced in the USSR. Ideally, your work must be 100% made of Soviet materials. It will be taken into account by the jury. The exhibition will be located in the Center of Culture and Leisure of Suzdal, which still preserves many traces of the Soviet era in its design. In addition to the exhibition of quilts the guests will see a few interesting installations. Funny artifacts, household items and official institutions fit perfectly into the interior of the house of culture from the times of the Soviet Union. The project is supervised by Irina Lebedeva, the Association of Russian Quilters. Her contacts: 8 915 5926629, 8 903 8380017 or ira.irakezowa@mail.ru. Address of the exhibition: Center for Culture and Leisure Suzdal, Red Square, 5.
Contest "Magical Bird"
 The contest Magical Bird takes a special place among all other projects. Many centuries ago, the mighty Russian Volga River connected the Slavic world with the distant East - India and Persia via the Caspian Sea. From there caravans brought unusual fabrics decorated with intricate floral ornaments, pictures of exotic flowers, birds and animals. Reality and fiction, fairy tales and true stories intertwined in a narrative about the distant world. Magic birds Alkonost, Syrin, Humayun, Veron and Firebird - the characters of ancient legends preserved on the pages of Russian chronicles, in jewelry, on furniture and household items. Especially they are known for being depicted in white stone cathedrals' carved facades of the XIII century in Vladimir land- Dmitrov cathedral in Vladimir and St. George in Yuriev-Polskoi. In the local history museums of Russia, you can find magic birds' images on women's jewelries named "colts" - hanging pendants or temporal rings in women's hats and on a silver bracelet. They are also depicted on the doors of old cabinets, trunk lids, on the dishes and boxes. In some villages of the Volga region, the Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma and Gorky areas there are still window frames decorated with magic birds. Gradually, the spread of Christianity led to the fact that magical bird of Slavic myths gained fame of being originated from the Garden of Even. They are the symbol of the human soul, which is given the opportunity to exist in the world of earthly and the heavenly world. Magic birds endowed with extraordinary qualities: brightness, radiance, otherworldly beauty and wonderful, mesmerizing singing. The Siren in old folklore - is a big, strong bird with big breasts, virgin motley bird with a beautiful girl's face and a crown on his head. According to the description of ancient beliefs, Sweet Bird of Syria, as well as the disastrous sea birds-maidens Sirens, his sad songs too intoxicated travelers and carried them into the realm of death. In the later period, these features have been superseded, and the Russian Sirin was endowed with magical features protective nature, personified beauty, happiness and joy of life. A carrier of misfortunes and troubles, according to Russian mythology, was considered a fantastic bird with a woman's face - the Resentment bird, which, unlike the Syrian and the Alkonost was depicted with wings spread, dispersing good and good times. The Sirin bird sings songs about the fate of the person listening to it. According to mythological representations, if you carefully listen to the Sirin, you can find the right way out in difficult circumstances. From time immemorial have survived in the fairy-tale image of magical birds’ moral values, good hope, faith, happiness and beauty, and in the all-conquering love.
Contest "Stylish Patchwork Bag"
The contest Stylish Patchwork Bag is a great opportunity for people to realize their talent and offer the jury an original accessory that is always popular among fashionistas. A signature bag is always what highlights its owner among other women. Our Festival is held in early August, and many of the guests will be delighted to meet with a collection of interesting, original accessories that can decorate their summer wardrobe. Textile bag is ideal for those who support the idea of the struggle for animal rights and does not use leather goods in everyday life. Patchwork bag can be a wonderful gift and not only for women but for the strong half of humankind.
Contest "Scarecrow"
The contest will be held in the evening of August 3. Since ancient times, peasants used stuffed scarecrows to scare birds, especially crows. In modern culture scarecrows sometimes impersonalize frightening image of an evil character, but most of the times behind a frightening word with the root "to scare" hides a kind soul or even magic prince. Remember the story by Nikolai Leskov "Scarecrow", the Scarecrow from the fairy tale "The Wizard of Oz" or turnip-Scarecrow from the famous anime "The Moving Castle" by Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki. Our Suzdal quilted scarecrows are also funny, colorful and not scary at all. During the Festival they will decorate one of the fairgrounds, will take part in the Quilt Carnival and in the closing ceremony.
Contest "Rag doll"
 One of the most interesting and creative competitions of the Festival - the Textile Doll. The hobby of creating textile dolls is experiencing a new birth in our time. Thousands of women take classes on making textile dolls across the country, and scientists, finally, have started to professionally research the doll itself as a phenomenon of a folk culture from the depths of Russian history. The aim of our competition is create a doll that will be a favorite for a granddaughter or a daughter with natural fabrics rather than synthetic materials. The size doll can vary from the one that fit a palm, to the one that you can rock on your hands. You do not create a souvenir, but a favorite toy, which will be the memory of a childhood.
Contest "Let a smile shine!"
The most fun and cheerful competition of the Festival - "Let a smile shine!". We invite you to dream about the routine topic - how to decorate yourself and your loved one: "My Kitchen Apron", "Tie for My Beloved", "Family Boxers", "Quilted Cap".
Contest "Patchwork Cover for Cars"
One day of the Festival there will be a parade of cars that can be turned into bright art objects and draw attention of our guests to the patchwork creativity. The purpose of this competition is to show all the possibilities of patchwork on models of large volume.
Contest "Patchwork-style Tent"
Patchwork tent is an art object, which is sure to get into the lens of photojournalists and guests of the Festival. We think that to issue a tent in the technique of patchwork one needs a great company of friends with a good sense of humor. No complex project requirements to be met, does not limit your creative ideas. Tents will be exhibited to the public in one of the meadows of Suzdal. The best will be awarded with a prize incentive, but most importantly, we guarantee you a good mood and a million of smiles!
Photo exhibition "The World Made of Patches"
 Join our contest for the best photos dedicated to patchwork creativity! The task of the photographer is to show attractiveness of patchwork through pictures. In the competition, there are the two main characters - quilts and their creators. Find your vision for quilt art! Look for inspiration everywhere! This may be a village or a landscape, city apartment or country house, a unique accessory or patchwork clothes.
About Suzdal
Do you want to experience authentic Russian culture? One of the best-preserved and prettiest towns in Russia, Suzdal is the most celebrated medieval city on Russia’s Golden Ring.
The Golden Ring is an area on the northeast of Moscow. Suzdal is recognized as the one of Russian cultural treasures and "open-air-museum" with brilliant authentic architecture of the 12th-19th century. It played an important role in the history of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church. A unique location of Suzdal is an ideal one, making it easy for a traveler to get to from either Moscow or St. Petersburg. Romantic and crowded with historic architecture. Suzdal's amazing sights such as monasteries, churches, cathedrals, and the Kremlin were listed by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as the masterworks of architectural genius. White‐stone Suzdal's area of just 15 km2 with more than 200 places of heritage was chosen by the genius of modern Russian cinema Andrei Tarkovskiy as a scenery for his movie "Andrey Rublev".
The historic city of Suzdal was founded in 990 as the capital of the region, even before The Grand Prince Yuri Dolgoruky (the Long-Armed) established Moscow and other towns in the region. Over the course of centuries, Suzdal was plundered by invading forces, which underscores the importance of its still-extant Kremlin. Other forces, such as fire and economic stagnation, affected Suzdal's development. However, some of these forces, such as the absence of a railway, helped Suzdal to maintain its historic authenticity, ecology and nature. Even when it was losing population to prospects in other towns, Suzdal was able to preserve many of its historic edifices and culture.
Suzdal has almost no limit to its sights for visitors. It's worth staying a few nights to really absorb the feel of this time-capsule city and get to know its famous landmarks. Suzdal Kremlin: Inside the Kremlin is a world of architectural treasures, from the 13th-century Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral to the late 18th-century wooden St. Nicholas Church. Also visit the Archbishop’s Chambers and the bell tower. This architectural complex is a part of the monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, a Russian World Heritage site.
Trade Square
The early 19th-century trading arcade is surrounded by a cluster of churches, some of which can be entered by visitors, such as the Emperor Constantine Church from the start of the 18th century.
Monastery of the Deposition
This monastery was founded in the 13th century, though the extant structures date from much later. Check out the Deposition Cathedral, the Bell tower, and the red-and-white entry gate with its conical turrets.
Monastery of St. Euthymius
The largest monastery in Suzdal, St. Euthymius was fortified with strong walls, which have withstood the passage of time, as a part of the city's defensive system. Here you'll see more churches, a Bell tower that may grace you with its music.
Alexandrovksy Convent
This convent has a more gentle legend than the Intercession Convent. It’s said that the Alexandrovsky Convent was founded by Alexander Nevsky to provide sanctuary for aristocratic widows whose husbands died at the hands of invaders.
Museum of Wooden Architecture
The Museum of Wooden Architecture in Suzdal preserves historic wooden structures inherent to the culture of the region and peasant life and artifacts that might otherwise be lost to progress. The Transfiguration Church dates from 1756 and is one of this museum's treasures.
Transfers to the Festival in Suzdal
For the convenience of participants and visitors of the Festival, we organize shuttle buses.
August 3
Moscow - Suzdal
The comfortable bus will take you to Suzdal. Approximate journey time is 5 hours.
Departure time - 10 am.
Place of departure: to be announced because of the complexity of parking in Moscow, but we will try to organize it in the center next to the metro station.
Ticket prices: adult - 900 rbl, children under 18 - 750 rbl.
Vladimir - Suzdal
If you arrive from Moscow to Vladimir by train, you can take a local taxi or pre-book a ticket for our shuttle that will wait for the participants of the Festival at the railway station. The buses will be provided by the time of the arrival of 4 trains from Moscow in the morning and evening (Strizh and Lastochka). Ticket price is 200 rbl.
August 10
Suzdal - Moscow
The comfortable bus will take you to Moscow. Approximate journey time is 5 hours.
Departure time - 14:00 pm.
Place of departure: to be announced.
Suzdal - Vladimir
If you leave Suzdal via the railway station to Vladimir, we are ready to organize a shuttle bus from Suzdal to Vladimir. Ticket prices: adult - 900 rbl, children under 18 - 750 rbl. Ticket price is 200 rbl.
How to order and reserve tickets
All requests for tickets and payments are processed through our partner - the tourist company Geographic Club.
Attention! Reservations will be accepted until July 20.
Contact our manager Natalia Selishcheva at natalia_s@geo-club.ru or 8 962 9450411 and send the application with the following information:
- name of a shuttle;
- date of a shuttle;
- shuttle time;
- number of tickets for children and adults;
- arrival time from Moscow to Vladimir and train number for August 3; train number and time of departure from Vladimir to Moscow on August 10;
- your contact information: name and surname of each passenger, telephone number, e-mail address for communication.
You can send an email or text your application, we will definitely call back.
More info
|
|
|
|
|
The virtual community for English speaking expats and Russians
