Marina Forbes

Marina Forbes is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia. For more than 20 years, she has been an active artist, storyteller, lecturer and teacher in the area of Russian art, culture, language and folklore, offering more than 75 exhibits, workshops, courses, lectures and presentations each year both in Russia and throughout the New England area. Marina is on the NH Traditional Arts and Humanities Council rosters and is an accomplished painter of traditional Russian icons (egg tempera/gold leaf on wood). Many of her works are in private collections in Russia, Italy and the U.S. Marina is currently the Director of International Programs at the New England Language Center in Rochester where she coordinates cultural exchange programs, teaches Russian culture and language, and leads art-related tours to Russia each year. She is an active watercolorist and art teacher, and regularly performs Russian fairytales at the First Night festivities in Portsmouth. Marina has a distinctive ability to generate energy and enthusiasm in the classroom and to bring the rich fabric of Russian traditional art and folklore to life for children of all ages. She is a unique and valuable resource for schools wishing to introduce their students to Russian culture through memorable and thought-provoking interactive workshops and presentations.

Specialty:

• Multi-disciplinary traditional Russian artist
• Russian art history
• icon painter
• storyteller
• performer

Programs Offered:

• Performances
• lecture-demonstrations
• workshops for teachers and/or parents
• residencies focusing on the dramatic performance of Russian folktales and on the depiction of traditional Russian images using traditional art forms
• lecture-demonstrations in schools
• libraries
• historical societies
• fairs
• festivals
• museums
• lecture halls

Populations Served:

• Grades 1-12
• senior citizens
• families
• adult learners

Availability:

• Statewide
• year round