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Art galleries showcasing Kyrgyz talent Besides the more formal Museum of Fine Arts and
Museum of Graphic Arts Bishkek offers a lively wealth of smaller, privately run galleries and artisans workshops. These display and sell the diverse work of local bohemians, many of who are happy to
undertake commissions. Galleries and workshops specialize in their own style and media, offering visitors the opportunity to browse through paintings, sketches, linocut prints, sculpture, puppets, jewellery and traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts. Quality and prices vary - part of the fun is seeking out a good piece and bargaining! There are over 30 galleries and workshops in central Bishkek. Comprehensive listings can be found in
'The Basic Bishkek Book and a Bit Beyond', Lin Jingyuen, Babushka and Baike, 2000(available in Bishkek only). These are Turkestan's favourites, all located within ten minutes walk of each
other: Dubovy Park Gallery (Gallery of the Artist's Union of Kyrgyzstan) This is an atmospheric gallery right in the centre of Bishkek. The collection is housed in a former Orthodox church and includes a clutter of paintings, linocuts, etchings, jewellery, puppets and Kyrgyz handicrafts. Located in the middle of Dubovy (Oak) Park, an easy walk from any of Bishkek's main sights. Pricier than other similar galleries, but proceeds from sales support the Artist's Union. Saimalytash A wonderful little shop selling handmade pottery and reproductions of the 3,000-year-old petroglyphs at Saimalytash, southern Kyrgyzstan. Since viewing the original petroglyphs involves a two day drive and a trek into the mountains, the beautiful reproductions here are the closest that most visitors get to the real thing. Located in Dom Druzhba, right next to Dubovy Park (above). Asia Gallery Located in the building of the Artists' Union, the Asia Gallery exhibits and sells etchings, oil paintings and water colours, souvenirs and Central Asian handicrafts. The larger of its two rooms is sometimes used as an exhibition hall - presents displays include a presentation of Central Asian costume. In the yard behind the building are some artists' studios where visitors can watch the bohemians at work. Very centrally located, just off Bishkek's main square. Erkindik
Art Gallery Located on the fringes of Dubovy Park, Erkindik is a bustling open-air gallery that is busiest at weekends and in summer. Watercolours and oil paintings are stacked in piles against the walls and hung from makeshift display boards. The artists themselves are happy to take commissions and will take interested parties to their studios to hammer out a deal.
Why "Bishkek"? | Getting to Bishkek and Moving On
| Bishkek's History | Pictures of Bishkek | 
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