(Minghui.org) The biggest art expo, the Art Rostov, was held at the Don Expo Center in Russia’s Southern Federal District of Rostov-on-Don from April 21 to April 30, 2023. The art exhibition featured more than 3,000 vendors and displayed more than 2,000 art items. More than 10,000 art lovers visited and participated in some of the 80 events during the 10-day expo. 

The expo emphasized the spirit and artworks of famous artists from the nineteenth century. Many exhibitors explored a spiritual theme for their works. Falun Dafa practitioners selected five paintings from The Art of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance International Art Exhibition to present to the patrons.

Falun Dafa practitioners selected five paintings from The Art of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance International Art Exhibition to present at the Art Rostov art expo.

The artworks from The Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) International Art Exhibition are all pieces painted by Falun Dafa practitioners. The five artworks selected for the expo represented the theme of compassion and divinity. Many people said that the theme of the artworks really resonated with them.

In addition to showcasing the five artworks, Falun Dafa practitioners also hosted a paper lotus making activity. Lotus flowers are a symbol of purity and self-cultivation in Asian culture. 

Michael, a Falun Dafa practitioner, started cultivating in 2011. He noted that the female practitioner meditating in the painting attracted the attention of many people, and many lingered in front of the painting for a long time. He said it almost seemed as if they wanted to feel the serenity and harmony that emitted from the painting.

Michael explained to patrons that the woman meditating in the painting is a Falun Dafa practitioner, and that those who cultivate Falun Dafa can achieve an inner peace through cultivating. He shared how he had changed for the better and become more calm and clearheaded after practicing Falun Dafa. 

“I had always wanted to win and gain the upper hand in arguments,” Michael shared. “I did not realize that this competitive mentality was the result of getting into arguments. I could say a lot of harmful things and would think that I had gained. I now know that it is not important how others treat you, what’s more important is how you treat others.”

Yaroslav, a young boy, brought his grandmother to the art exhibition. His grandmother said that she had felt tired and did not want to go to the art exhibition, but her grandson insisted that they come. Yaroslav stopped in front of the paintings and learned how to make a paper lotus flower for his grandmother. His grandmother was grateful that her grandson had showed her the beautiful Falun Dafa paintings. 

Yaroslav and his grandmother have their picture taken in front of Falun Dafa practitioners’ art pieces.

Falun Dafa is a cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The artworks are reflective of the wonder and profundity of Falun Dafa. Many people were left with a deep impression of the artworks and some said that the world needs Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. 

Dafa practitioners also provided information about online exercise instruction classes to those who wanted to learn more about Falun Dafa. They also told patrons that they planned to hold The Art of Zhen Shan Ren (Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance) International Art Exhibition at the end of May, where all the art pieces would be on display. Many people responded that they would come, and also bring their friends and family along. 

The expo organizers showed their appreciation for the Dafa practitioners' participation by presenting them with certificates after the exhibition ended.