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An international festival “Voice of Crafts” continues its work in Vologda.
05.09.2014 16:40
Craftsmanship is deep-rooted in the heritage of the Vologda Region. For many centuries the traditional crafts that are steeped in legends and tales have brought joy to the Russians because of their skilfully worked designs. Many kinds of folk arts were brought to perfection in the Vologda Region.
Original and distinctive are the productions of Vologda’s folk artists. The local traditions of decorative and applied arts have their roots in the hoary past. In their craft the masters put their high workmanship and practical wisdom. And their productions acquired the value of genuine art.
Among the popular Vologda’s specialities are wood engraving, coloured enamels with gold and silver veneer, carving on birch bark, the original technique of "tinplate frosting", woodcuts, production of polychrone tiles and the art of wooden statuary.
Taking place in the heart of Vologda, the international festival - running September 4th-7th - will feature a series of activities and initiatives, including a fair for crafts, and showcasing heritage material, and traditional products.
The festival is aimed at popularization of folk arts and handicrafts among the younger generation. It is arranged with an active backing of the Vologda City Administration and a Handicrafts Centre “Reznoi Palisad (Carved Fence)”.
A complementary public programme will include concerts, a craftsmanship competition, performances as well as workshops by handicrafts experts.
The festival will highlight the importance of traditional craftsmanship in Russian heritage and support craftsmen’s efforts to preserve, revive, and transfer their skills to future generations.
Every day of the festival will be devoted to various programs that reveal to the audience the secrets of one of the folk crafts in the heart of Vologda - Kremlin Square.
Over 250 artisans will show off their virtuosity in making valenki (kind of felt boots), in wood engraving, wood carving and painting, which are also one of the most popular handicrafts in present-day Vologda Region. During the festival, the skilful hands of blacksmiths will create veritable works of art from wrought iron and steel. Also potters will demonstrate their skills and lace-makers, embroiderers and weavers will wind up the competition program on Sunday.
One of the main events of the festival's opening ceremony was the presentation of a tree of crafts. A metal blade forged by Vologda blacksmiths appeared on the scene. During three days of the festival each master will create something of his own, and by the end of the festival the wrought iron tree will grow up to three metres.