Warm greetings to you! I hope this finds you well. 122 Conversations marches on opening a few days ago in Petrozavodsk, Russia at Petrozavodsk City Exhibition Hall! I was able to attend the opening virtually through Skype with the assistance of several friends studying at Petrozavodsk State University lending their hands to engage with the public and live-stream the event!After opening three international exhibitions in 5 months this year, I want to pause to thank the 200+ volunteers that have generously donated their time, energy and spirit to facilitate this cross cultural community building project. The project would not have been possible without you and I am humbled and grateful for your participation. In particular, I would like to thank Duluth ambassador Devan Burnette (third from left in large picture) for carrying the suitcase to Petrozavodsk through two flights with major delays and a train ride! Devan was on hand at the opening to read a letter with opening remarks from me and excerpts from a letter from Duluth Mayor Emily Larson expressing support for the project and greetings to the people of Petrozavodsk.

Unique to this sister city exhibition are nearly 50 photos exhibited alongside the artwork to further document the participatory nature of the project. The photos chronicle the path 122 Conversations has taken to reach Russia and include images from prior exhibitions in Thunder Bay, Canada, Rania, Iraqi Kurdistan and Växjö, Sweden. Citizens from these sister cities are depicted engaging in 122 Conversations effectively carrying forth the global exchange to the citizens of Russia. Also included are beautiful images of Duluth from local photographer, Jennifer Labovitz. The photos will remain in Russia traveling to another gallery at the close of the exhibition.