CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Marina Forbes is presenting a storytelling and hands-on workshop on matryoshka nested doll painting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Carrabassett Valley Public Library and Community Center. Acrylic paints and brushes for the 3-hour workshop will be provided.

Forbes, a traditional Russian artist and lecturer, will offer a unique workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of matryoshka (wooden nested doll) painting. The workshop is open to adults, teens and families with children age 6 and up. It is a great opportunity for adults and families to work together and learn about Russian crafts and culture. Participants will hear the story of the Matryoshka doll and will learn about her traditional Russian dress and customs. Traditional Russian painting techniques and floral and berry designs are also introduced. The goal is to produce a finished piece of Russian folk art on wood. Students can work on 7-piece, 5-piece, 3-piece or 1-piece matryoshka sets. A set must be purchased in order to participate. Students are encouraged to form teams to work on 3-, 5- and 7-piece matryoshka dolls. Throughout the workshop, students will be listening to traditional Russian music and, during a brief break from the painting, there will be a demonstration of a few steps from a traditional Russian “matryoshka dance.”

FMI, pre-register: 603-332-2255; e-mail, marina@anylanguage.org; website MarinaForbes.com.