Ode to Art and Goodness
There is an amazing organization — JASA, where they really help people, creating an atmosphere of care, support and inspiration. I want to tell you about one of its wonderful projects — drawing lessons, which are taught by the talented artist Tatyana Zeltser, whom I met many years ago when I came to write an article about a drawing class at the Jewish center JASA in Brighton (160 Corbin Place).
Marina Lagunova

Museums where the whole world opens up
We often strive to fly to other countries, to other continents, to see something unusual and new. In India, many years ago, I visited the Queen Elizabeth Museum, where a huge painting by the Russian artist Vereshchagin called "Elephants" struck with its magic: wherever you stood, it seemed that the animals were looking right at you.
Marina Lagunova

Silk Road Festival in New York - a triumph of culture and unity
For several years now, like many others, I have been looking forward to the Silk Road Festival with particular anticipation. It is organized by a tireless, bright female leader, an outstanding teacher, Alena Badalova, who heads the My Way children's cultural and educational center. This is not just an event - it is a real spiritual holiday that promotes mutual enrichment, spiritual unity and reveals the dazzling palette of cultures of our multinational New York - a beacon of multiculturalism and creativity.
The festival reflects the essence of My Way Center's mission - to provide an opportunity for self-expression, creativity, intercultural dialogue - and is a beacon of humanism, respect and cooperation.
Despite the serious challenges that preceded the festival, it still took place with triumph. Several months before the event, a building next to the center caught fire, classes were cancelled, and one of the invited groups from California got into a car accident and ended up in the hospital. However, having overcome all the difficulties, the artists took to the stage and amazed the audience with their heartfelt number dedicated to Azerbaijan, causing a storm of applause at the Oceana Theatre.
And against all odds, on June 1, 2025, Center My Way organized a grand festival "Silk Road", which became a real ode to the historical and cultural greatness of the ancient trade route that connected East and West, and the route served for centuries for exchange - not only of goods, but also of ideas, art, beliefs, philosophy.
An impressive mosaic of national cultures unfolded on the theater stage. Cultural gems from countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kalmykia, Buryatia, India, Mongolia, Turkey and others were presented - all those whose history is intertwined with the history of the legendary Silk Road.
Showing mutual respect and pride in their heritage, the festival encourages the younger generation to explore the world through the lens of art, history and universal human values.
I would like to express special gratitude to the director Alena Badalova and the art director, the famous artist and sculptor Emin Guliyev. Their inexhaustible energy, professionalism and love for children fill this project with life. The creativity and success of the students of Emin Guliyev's art studio have been followed with admiration on social networks for many years. Together with dedicated employees, volunteers and leaders of musical and dance groups, they created a truly magical atmosphere, giving children a chance to perform on the professional stage of the American theater Oceana. I would also like to mention many other leaders of musical groups. These are professional dancers, ballerinas and just beauties, for example, Irina, the head of Irina Dancing Studia and others, from whom it was impossible to take your eyes off. And the way the children performed, there are simply no words! And can you imagine what it is like to bring dozens of child dancers on stage who danced together with professionals? Many children have grown up before my eyes, and I rejoice in their successes as in the victories of my child. I often see the performance of children from the My Way center at various events in the city, and this is always the highlight of the event.
And it is not surprising that the efforts of Alena Badalova and the center's staff were recognized with honorary certificates and gratitude from public and political figures: from Assemblymen William Colton, Alec Brooke-Krasny, Senator Stephen Chen, which was presented by the Senator's chief adviser Ari Kagan, on behalf of the Mayor of New York Eric L. Adams, which was presented by the Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Arts and Culture of New York Kendal Henry, and from other government representatives who honored the organizers for their contribution to the development of culture and the education of the younger generation - and, believe me, each certificate is recognition of service to people. Also, the famous lawyer Eva Rakhamimova was awarded an honorary certificate for charitable activities, and it is worth noting that many city events took place thanks to her support.
In an interview, Alena Badalova said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the New York City Department of Cultural Afairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and New York State Legislature, New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams, The State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Diana Bagrationi Foundation, Buryad Mongol United Association, Darina Sanzhieva, Law Office of Yeva Rakhamimov and Oceana Theater. It is their generous support and grant that have made this event possible, enabling us to continue this cherished tradition."
Marina Lagunova