TMORA 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Continuing: To mark its 10th anniversary, the Museum of Russian Art (TMORA) is spotlighting 18 of its favorite paintings, all from its collection or previous shows of Soviet-era realist art. Founded in 2002 by Minneapolis businessman Ray Johnson primarily as a showcase for his extensive collection of Soviet paintings, the museum has gradually broadened its scope to include everything from ancient archaeological treasures to Russian icons and Constructivist abstractions. Despite the oppressive politics of the Soviet era (1920-90), the best painters found ways to express their individuality and patriotism. The anniversary show includes winter scenes, autumnal landscapes, spring celebrations, images of hardship in the provinces, portraits and other highlights. Nikolai N. Baskakov's effervescent pastorale, 1962's "Milkmaids" (pictured), is sometimes called TMORA's "Mona Lisa" because it's so popular with visitors, and rightly so. (1-5 p.m. Sun. and next Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. $7. The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Av. S., Mpls. 612-821-9045 or www.tmora.org.)
