About Foundation

Varzuga — The Pearl Of The Russian North

Murmansk Ethnographic Museum of Folk-Dressed Dolls, Arts and Crafts of European North Indigenous Peoples

The Small Indigenous Peoples of the European North

Painters of the European North

Konkurs (new!)

1955 — was born in Murmansk
1970—1975 — student of school of arts, Murmansk
1975—1995 — scene-painter
1990 — participation in exhibitions on the Center of Arts and Crafts, Murmansk
1992 — the first personal exhibition in Murmansk Museum of Arts
2002 — personal exhibition in Murmansk Museum of Arts.

Olga Kotenko begun to study folk dresses more than 15 years ago. She with great care studied the documents, photos and publications on the history of folk costumes and so she managed to recreate Russian folk dresses of XVII-XIX centuries.

Olga gives special attention to the culture and history of Saami people. It is impossible to pass by the Saami, living on the ancient land of their own. Originality, brightness of folk dresses and every day households attracted attention of Olga. She was taught by the eldest Saami craftsmen introducing her own fancy to their ancient craft.

Folk dressed dolls made by Olga Kotenko are noted by mastery, best quality and exactness of making. Looking at her dolls, everyone can feel that she loves her creative work and the culture of Saami.

 

© 2003—2004 "Varzuga Foundation"