Roly-poly painting workshop at the National Centre RUSSIA helped families grow closer

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A series of workshops dedicated to creating festive New Year crafts has launched at the National Centre RUSSIA. The first was a roly-poly painting lesson. Guests were given a rare opportunity to breathe new life into a version of the famous toy. The aim was to strengthen family bonds through creative collaboration.

"Within the walls of the National Centre RUSSIA, the roly-poly doll has become a symbol of New Year hospitality and homely comfort, a keeper of memories, traditions and the joyful emotions of childhood. That is why today's workshop is more than just a creative lesson. It serves as a bridge between past and future and strengthens the connection between generations, whilst love for folk art is passed on through brush and paints. Watching children and adults immerse themselves in the process together, sharing memories and creating their own unique designs — this is the most precious magic of the pre-holiday season," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

A shining example of creativity uniting generations was the Stepanov family from Moscow. The two Mikhails — senior and junior — enthusiastically immersed themselves in the process. The elder family member's roly-poly ended up looking as though it was dressed in a bright Christmas jumper, whilst the child's toy was adorned with vivid green meadows, reminiscent of summer.

"This is our second visit to the National Centre RUSSIA and we were delighted to take part in this workshop. For us, it is a unique opportunity because we love painting, but we don't always get the chance to decorate something this beautiful — usually it's either acrylic paint on canvas or something rather ordinary on cardboard," shared Mikhail Stepanov Senior, whilst Mikhail Stepanov Junior added: "I really enjoyed the workshop; I would even like to paint something else."

Under the guidance of instructors, guests transferred patterns inspired by Russian folk crafts onto their toys and brought their own ideas to life. Whilst painting their roly-poly dolls, many workshop participants fondly recalled their childhood.

"I painted my roly-poly pink, a colour I associate with joy. But today I wasn't simply given the chance to paint something. I also remembered the time when I was in nursery. I had a roly-poly there too, and I felt such nostalgia," admitted Karina from Tyumen.

Come to the festive events at the National Centre RUSSIA with your whole family — and fill the coming year with bright colours and inspiration. The schedule of workshops and other New Year activities is available in the 'Events' section at russia.ru and on the National Centre RUSSIA social media pages.