Kholui - is one of the oldest handicraft centers in Russia. Since time immemorial icon painters and then lacquer miniaturists have been working there.

The Lacquer miniature is an exquisite decoration of papier-mache (pressed paper) boxes. Handmade works are highly praised and valued all over the world. Lacquer miniature from the processing of boxes through the final touch, i.e. the polishing of the fully decorated work pieces is hand made and requires much diligence, tolerance, time and skill.

Painters are people with a clean soul. They put their heart into their works. When you touch the masterpiece you feel the artist's energy implemented in it. It is radiant with warmth. Why people once buying these works thank the artists for the joy? Light and pleasurable feelings they bring. Looking at them, touching them people imagine the hard toil of creator trying to decipher his or her thoughts and intentions. A couple of painters Alexei and Galina Shilov has been living in Kholui for quite a number of years.

Their authentic creative manner may be characterized as execlusive, original decoration with rich gilded ornament implementing endemic painting technique and ornamental insertions. Many of their works are in the collections of Russian lacquer miniature painting all over the world already.

Through this site you may get acquaintanted with Alexei and Galina`s art, see their works, perhaps buy or simply chat with artists via e-mail.