Join BRAI on the SUMMER SOLSTICE for our first in-person event of 2021! This is a two-part exclusive experience, beginning with a guided visit to the Museum of Russian Icons led by its founding director, Kent dur Russell. Next, enjoy a tour of the beautiful garden and grounds of Kent's historic home, concluding with drinks on his patio. Take advantage of the longest day of the year!

1:30 pm  Doors Open. Guests welcome to arrive at the Museum and explore on their own. Masks requested for those who are not vaccinated.

2:00 pm  Guided tour of the permanent collection led by Kent dur Russell, founding director of the Museum of Russian Icons.

2:45 pm Tour of the Alexander Gassel retrospective, Painted Poetry led by Kent dur Russell and BRAI Executive Director, Anna Winestein

3:30 pm Museum portion ends, attendees head out to the Russell residence (address provided at the Museum), located 15 miles away (drive time 25-30 minutes)

4:15 pm Guided garden visit at the Russell residence

5:00 pm Drinks on the patio

THE MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ICONS inspires the appreciation and study of Russian culture by collecting and exhibiting icons and related objects; igniting the interest of national and international audiences; and offering interactive educational programs. Housed in a 150-year-old former mill building, and featuring galleries on three floors, the Museum is celebrating 15 years since its founding by businessman and philanthropist Gordon Lankton (1931-2021). The 1,000+ object collection represents one of the largest of its kind outside of Russia.

KENT DUR RUSSELL is the Curator and CEO of the Museum of Russian Icons, Clinton MA since it opened in early 2007. Kent spent the previous 11 years as director of the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA. Educated at Trinity College Dublin and CCNY, Mr. Russell began his career at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Other appointments in Ireland followed, and then in New York City, where he worked at the New Museum, The Studio Museum of Harlem and the New Museum of Hispanic Art. He has also worked as art critic for the Phoenix Magazine Dublin and has published reviews in the Burlington Magazine, London and other publications. Mr. Russell is involved in numerous civic, social and cultural organizations, including being a Trustee of Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Masshumanities, and Music Worcester. He also is an Incorporator at the Worcester Art Museum. He served as president of the New England Museum Association from 2005 to 2007 and has been chair of the American Association of Museum Council of Regions. He maintains an informal English garden around his home, built in 1723, which is the oldest house in Lunenburg and on the Historic Register.

BALLETS RUSSES ARTS INITIATIVE is a non-profit organization that fosters international creative exchange in the visual and performing arts and film, with a special focus on the post-Soviet States. BRAI carries out public programs throughout Massachusetts, the East Coast and internationally, and BR360 Member programs in the Boston area.

NOTA BENE:

Masks are requested indoors at the Museum and inside the Russell residence for those who are not vaccinated.

Tickets cannot be refunded but can be transferred to a different attendee.

If you are unable to attend due to illness or some other unavoidable reason, you can choose to either have the amount you paid held as a credit for a future BRAI event (credit valid for up to one year) or converted to a donation.

Event happens rain or shine. If there is rain (currently forecast is hopeful, but anything can happen....), garden visit will still take place and drinks will be offered indoors in a well-ventilated space.

Ample on-street parking available in Clinton, MA and off-street parking at the Russell residence.

Restroom access available.