In the small Russian town of Pereslavl-Zalessky is a retreat that is owned by the Union of Russian Artists. On their wooded grounds there is a two story lodge with 25 rooms, a dining hall, classrooms and studios for artists to work in. 

My husband, sculptor Eric Johnson, and I traveled from our home and gallery on the coast of Oregon to Russia during September 2003 and spent several weeks at the retreat, 75 miles north of Moscow, which they call "The House of Artists". 

The photographs on the following pages are of the retreat, the Russian artists we have gotten to know there, the town of Pereslavl and also of a side trip to Saint Petersburg that we made by train. 

Over the last few years we have visited here several times. The first time was in winter and I created a website showing this same place in Russia during the holidays. As we get to know Russia better, my husband and I continue to marvel at the hospitality of the people, the expertise of the artists we meet and the charm of the Russian countryside. 

Sherry Johnson

This website created in October 2003
by Sherry Johnson
johnsongal@yahoo.com