Two exhibitions dedicated to International Children's Protection Day opened in Moscow on June 1. The first one is called "555 Effects of Children's Crafts" and the second is "For Our Happy Childhood."

International Children's Protection Day has been celebrated since it was instituted by the International Democratic Federation of Women in 1949. June 1 had various exhibitions, concerts and other events designed to draw the attention of the general public and authorities to the problems of children.

"555 Effects of Children's Crafts" is running from June 2 to June 10. The exhibition is presented by the Lika Altman's House of Arts and displays works of people ranging in age from 5 to 55. Of course, a 55-year old person cannot be called a child, but well-known stage decorator and fashion designer Oxana Yarmolnik presented not only still life paintings but also a collection of dolls.

"It all began with knitting," Liya Altman recounts. "I ran a small tapestry shop. My friends came together with their children to help me. Tapestry weaving is a time-consuming job and I asked children to help me. Step-by-step, the shop developed into a studio of arts where children tried their hands at drawing and kept secrets from the adults. And they started calling me Lika. Later, the studio was joined by adults and became a House of Arts."

The Lika Altman's House of Arts' distinguishing feature is a genuine homey atmosphere where children and adults study painting, tapestry-weaving, crafts and try various artistic occupations. While relaxing after the business day, adults jump into the vivid world of children's imaginations and enrich their creativity with the nihilism, romanticism and prankishness of the younger generation. The result of this symbiosis is the "555 Effects of Children's Crafts." Come and see.

MANEZH GALLERY
1 Manezh Square (entry through the Kutafya Tower)
Metro: Biblioteka Imeni Lenina
Tel: 202-8258
Open: daily, except Mon. and Tues., from noon to 7 p.m. Entrance: free