Art
Alliance began its life as a sponsor and promoter of Russian folk art and
culture in Russia and the USA. At that
time Art Alliance owners became acquainted with the various production lines
and artists and helped establish new cooperation opportunities for these
businesses.
It was then that Art Alliance was founded. In
1993, Art Alliance became the owner of ZAO Souvenir, the world famous Kirov
matryoshka factory. These facilities benefited from a major upgrade and
investment and now have the capacity to deal with the large wholesale and
corporate orders: currently approximately 1 million pieces a year! ZAO Souvenir
has also stayed true to the roots of traditional handicrafts - all the dolls
are hand painted in traditional styles using high quality paints and lacquers
(a distinguishing feature of all Kirov dolls).
By
the year 2001 Art Alliance had developed into a world leader in its industry,
working closely with Russian state museums as well as oversea museums and
exhibitors. At that time, Art Alliance was exporting a large number of items
and decided to set up a company, which would primarily deal with all export
orders. Art Alliance LLC was incorporated in 2001 with the primary objective of
fulfilling the growing export demand. The company now deals with export orders
to anywhere in the world.
Current production involves
the following:
1.
Matryoshka production – Kirov. The shape of the doll is
machined with a very high degree of accuracy, enabling the matryoshkas to fit
together with high precision. Producers of cheap copies are not able to produce
the same quality of dolls in large volumes demanded by wholesale customers.
This is what sets our matryoshkas apart from the competition.
2.
Ceramic production – Moscow.
Small-scale production of gifts and exclusive items, such as
corporate gifts. Traditional Gzhel
and Majolika ceramics.
3.
Lacquer boxes – Palekh, Fedo-skino,
Mstera & Kholly. Lacquer miniature painting is perhaps the most
distinctive and distinguished Russian art form. Art Alliance has worked closely
with the original schools of arts and directly with the masters of this unique
craft. Unfortunately, the world market has become saturated with cheap
imitations and copies of these works. Art Alliance only deals with the finest
examples of this craft.
4.
Icons: from the monasteries of Yaroslavl. Art Alliance has worked
closely with the artists involved in the production of the highest quality
specimens of iconography. Whether they are contemporary pieces or restorations
of originals, only the finest are selected.
5.
Imperial Replicas & Awards – Moscow.
Art Alliance employs a number of experts in the area of replicas and awards and
cooperates closely with museums and collectors to produce the highest quality
replicas. In addition, Art Alliance receives commission from government
ministries, sports and educational organizations.
6.
Faberge Style – USA.
Art Alliance works closely with master jewelers in the USA who produce
excellent original and contemporary designs based on the work of Carl Faberge.
This is a relatively new venture on the part of Art Alliance and there are
plans for more exciting developments in this area.
Promotion
of Russian art and culture continues to be the focal point of the Art
Alliance’s operations. Whether it is Art Alliance’s use of experts to help with
appraising national treasures and collections, or the promotion and sponsorship
of major exhibitions, Art Alliance remains true to its founding principles.
Since
the early days of 1991, Art Alliance has expanded its product distribution
network all over the world. You are unlikely to finds Art Alliance items in the
hands of street traders on the Red Square. If
you have seen quality Russian folk arts in the world’s duty free shops and
exclusive boutiques, the chances that those items came from Art Alliance are
quite high. That isn’t to say that Art Alliance items are extravagant or
outrageously expensive – it is merely the recognition of quality associated
with the brand Art Alliance and the respect that it has earned during its years
as the leader in the Russian folk arts and souvenir market.
Contact
us:
4630 Montgomery Avenue,
Suite
210
Bethesda,
Maryland, 20814,
USA.
Tel/Fax:
(301) 951-5137
e-mail:masha@artallianceusa.com
web:
http://www.artallianceusa.com
Contacts
in Russia:
109387
Russia, Moscow
Letniaia
Street 10/1
Tel.:
(095) 350-4021
Fax:
(095) 350-1494
e-mail: info@souvenir.ru
web: http://www.souvenir.ru
