“Sailing to the Shores of America” and across the plains to Great Bend is the work of Valery Shiljaev, a well-known Russian maritime artist. Colorful, realistic oil paintings showing historic ships battling ocean waves will be featured in an art show in April at Petr’s Frame House, 2009 16th St., from March 31 - April 25.
“This artist is very well known in Russia and Europe,” said Petr Grigorev, who is bringing the exhibit to town.
 Shiljaev gave the King of Spain a painting and has held five personal exhibits in Spain.
“He’s one of the best marine painters in Russia today,” and is compared to 19th century Russian artist Ivan Aivzovsay, who is considered one of the greatest marine artists in history, said Grigorev.
The price range of Shiljaev work is $4,000 to $15,000.
Transported to this country from Preobrazhenie, near Vladivostok, Russia by Grigorev’s parents, Margarita and Aleksandr Kovalevi, was not an easy thing.
“It’s a difficult process to get pieces of art out of Russia,” said Grigorev. To make sure the artwork isn’t stolen work, there is a substantial amount of paperwork that has to be filed.
There will be a historic perspective included with each painting.
The opening reception will be a cross-cultural event with Russian food made by Grigorev’s mother. Included will be Russian dumplings, which have meat and Russians desserts, including Margarita’s famous 16 layer cake. The recipe is a family secret.
“It melts in your mouth,” said Grigorev. The reception will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. April 12. A three person band, Sedmikrasky, will also play.
The Kovalevi’s are neighbors of Shiljaev and will also be at the show.
Shiljaev has a long history of involvement in art. He went to college, Cheljabinst-65, specializing in art metal processing. He worked in Ukraine as an artist for the Dneproserzhinski section of the Art fund of the Ukrainian Painters’ Union in public building interior decorating, painting, smithing, casting and stained glass paneling.
He works now as a freelance artist.
“Everyday, he comes to the water to observe,” said Aleksandr. “He tries to capture every storm, every wave.”
In light of recent news events in Russia, the Kovalevi’s hope to help promote understanding between the Russian and American culture.