AUBURN — Traditional Russian artist and lecturer, Marina Forbes, will offer a unique workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of matryoshka (wooden nested doll) painting.

The workshop is scheduled at the Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and is open to adults, teens and families with children 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 seven-piece, five-piece, three-piece or one-piece matryoshka sets, ranging from $10 and up.

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.”

To preregister, contact the library at 207-333-6640 or for more information contact Marina Forbes by phone at 603-332-2255, by email at marina@anylanguage.org or visit MarinaForbes.com.

The night before the workshop, on Friday, Dec. 5, Forbes will present a beautifully illustrated interactive presentation, “Traditional matryoshka Nested Doll Making: from Russia to New England,” at 6 p.m. at the library. The event is free and open to the public.