On January 5, 2016 a cultural and artistic event “From Nicholas to Christmas” was held within the Residence of Saint Nicholas in the Cathedral of the Dormition Bell Tower in the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve. On the Christmas Eve the artistic works of Shevchenko National Prize winner and People's Artist of Ukraine Valery Franchuk were displayed along with the works of participants of the “Fantastic Vernissage” Exhibition of Decorative and Applied Arts. The Nativity play was also staged on the same day.

Valery Franchuk and Deputy Director General for Scientific Research of the National Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art Museum Liudmyla Bilous greeted the participants and guests of the festive event.

Valery Franchuk noted the symbolism of holding an exhibit of his works on the territory of National Kyiv Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve, among the unique relics and gems of Ukrainian architecture, and expressed warmest wishes to those present on the eve of one of the most important Ukrainian Orthodox religious holidays — Christmas.

It will not be the first time that dynamic and bright miracles of work by the artist can be admired by devotees of fine arts in the Cathedral of the Dormition Bell Tower. It was here in the Preserve that his first personal exhibition was held.

Liudmyla Bilous noted the exceptional craftsmanship of works presented for the “Fantastic Vernissage” Exhibition of unique thematic works of decorative and applied arts by the artist Halyna Diuhovska. It should be noted that both Halyna Diuhovska and Volodymyr Balyberdin visited the festive event as honourable guests and participants of the exhibition.

The Nativity play staged by Kyiv Theatre-studio “MIST” (artistic director, stage director, dramatic historian Yuliia Hasylina) was a real holiday gift for the visitors. Those present could touch the eternal theme of Christmas. They listened to masterful, soulful performance of songs and took part in theatrical, genuine and bright holiday.

At the end of festivities Deputy Director General for Economic Affairs and Development of the Preserve Nataliia Peresadko awarded the participants of the exhibition with honorary diplomas.