The story of “Girls in the Kokoshnik” came to life in Vladivostok

The cycle of lectures dedicated to the history and culture of the Primorsky Territory takes place within the walls of the Primorsky regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society. The topics covered are very different: among them are events and facts, architecture and transport, the development of the city and its inhabitants and much more. Conducting such lectures is the product of joint active work and partnership of the Primorsky regional branch of the RGS-OIAC and the Tourist Information Center of the Primorsky Territory (Visit Primorye) with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Primorsky Territory. And these meetings are invariably popular. 

So, on November 18, at a lecture dedicated to the history of writing one painting "The Girl in the Kokoshnik", the apple in the hall was nowhere to fall. The main “heroes” of this creative dialogue are the artist Konstantin Makovsky and his model Maria Balashova. And the basis of the lectures is the artistic and family memory associated with these people.

The lecture was conducted by a writer, journalist, researcher of culture and history of the Far East Tamara Kaliberova. A special guest of the meeting was Yulia Makarova, a resident of Vladivostok and a person who personally knew Maria Balashova. Her story was filled with memories of her nanny, who in the family was simply called Aunt Manya. As a result of this narrative, the guests of the event "saw" Mary is not like a "girl from the picture", but a real woman - kind, thin, unusually beautiful, sensitive and tender, but at the same time strong in spirit. >> This time the event was supplemented with musical accompaniment: an employee of the Tourist Information Center of the Primorsky Territory (Visit Primorye) Maria Kuzmina performed for the piano. Live music organically complemented the creative and historical themes of the meeting, strengthening the emotional perception of the story and emphasizing their artistic character

This lecture became a really significant and meaningful event. The meeting was attended by children, including children from the “School of the Young Journalist” of the Children’s Creativity House, guides of the KiE section and residents of the city. Yulia Vladimirovna Makarova presented family materials and gave valuable comments about the life and life of her family, which added to the meeting of documentary accuracy and lively interest. Many thanks to the local historian, researcher and journalist – Tamara Nikolaevna Kaliberova for the lecture, or rather the meeting-talk. The participants were not in a hurry to disperse and asked to do a sequel, but about the work of the Makovsky brothers-artists and the streets of the suburbs, with the names of artists and composers", shared the opinion guide, member of the section of local studies of the PKO RGO - OIAC Lyudmila Volkova.

Lectures cover a wide range of topics: the history and culture of Primorsky Krai, the fate of outstanding personalities and famous residents of the region, artistic and literary heritage, ethnography and traditions of indigenous peoples of the Far East, natural attractions and geographical features of the region. Taken together, all of these topics show that our region is truly unique. Reminding this is extremely important, because it is through such stories that an understanding of one’s homeland, its richness and diversity is formed.

And if until the autumn of 2025, all lectures were held in the hall of the library of the PKO RGS-OIAC (Peter the Great St., 4), then with the opening of the National Center "Russia" in the Primorsky Territory, there were more venues for meetings. Until the end of November, four more lectures are scheduled – on the 24th, 25th, 28th and 30th. Some of them will be held in the regional NC “Russia” in Primorye. An important point: mandatory registration is required to attend lectures on this site. The registration form will be posted on the website and social networks of the NC “Russia” in Primorsky Krai.

Such meetings are of great importance for our work, they help to preserve cultural and historical memory, show true stories and interweaving of the fates of people who once influenced the formation of the image of Primorye. It is important that these topics are of interest not only to adults, but also to the younger generation – this fosters respect for the past, encourages curiosity and a sense of belonging to the history of the native land. Only thanks to the joint work with the Primorsky regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society - the Society for the Study of the Amur Region, we have the opportunity to turn such meetings into real cultural events that unite science, history and creativity, - said the deputy head of the tourist and information department of the Primorsky Territory (Visit Primorye) Anastasia Povetkina