Art gallery opens Biryukov/Gladkikh show xhibit

Sparta — Biryukov Academy of Art and Music opened its gallery this weekend. Mayor Manny Goldberg cut the ribbon to start off the art show, in honor of the late Nikolai Gladkikh and the schools namesake, the late Mikhail Biryukov. Elena Zelenina, the children’s art director and one of the partners in the school, gave a touchingly emotional speech about Biryukov, her step father, and Gladkikh, her uncle, just before the ribbon was cut. The reception featured wine and cheese setting a warm atmosphere where many members of the community came together to enjoy the heritage, history and fine art offered in the quaint gallery. Biryukov Academy of Art and Music is dedicated to the enrichment of the community through education and history. The Biryukov/Gladkikh show is free and open to the public daily during normal business hours. The the school’s Web site periodically updates for upcoming events and shows at the gallery. The school looks forward to providing several more art shows featuring local artists, the first of which will be given on Feb. 14, in honor of a great local artist, Patricia Gray Redline. Biryukov Academy is centrally located at 350 Sparta Ave., Suite B1, Sparta. Call 973-729-8652.