An online exhibition of ceramics of the Firsov’s family “Ceramist’s family has no end” is presented within the art project of a series of art exhibitions “Laureates of the Regional Award in Architecture, Heraldry, Vexillology, and Decorative and Applied Art named after Yakiv Pauchenko” to the anniversary of the outstanding architect Yakiv Pauchenko. The project is aimed at popularization of creative work of artists – laureates of the award in the nomination “decorative and applied arts” and presupposes the organization of personal exhibitions and publication of themed booklets.
    The family of the artists in ceramics, the married couple Mykola and Nelia Firsov, and their sons Oleksandr and Serhii is a unique phenomenon in the art life of Kropyvnytskyi. With their creative work, they asset the ideas of revival and implementation of the ancient art of ceramics into modern life. In 1991, a documentary was shot about the Firsov dynasty and the individual ceramics studio. The film was shown on the national channels UT-1 and UT-2, and them on the all-union “Ostankino”.
    Firsov Mykola Ivanovych was born on November 18, 1945, in the town of Kirovohrad (now Kropyvnytskyi). Studied in Kirovohrad Children’s Art School (now Art School named after O.O.Osmerkin). Graduated from Odesa State Art College named after M.B.Hrekov, the Department of Art Ceramics (1970). Worked in Kirovohrad art and industrial workshops of the Art fund of Ukraine (1970-1994). A member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine (1994), an artist of decorative and applied arts. A laureate of the Regional Award in Architecture, Heraldry, Vexillology, and Decorative and Applied Arts named after Yakiv Pauchenko in the nomination “decorative and applied arts” (2005). In his creative work, prefers classic forms of professional ceramic, being guided by the principles of beauty, functionality, and constructiveness. The characteristic feature is a reference to the image of contemporary, different areas of life and living of a city dweller. In his compositional panels recreates his contemplations over the sense of existence, town folklore, history of Ukrainian people, and beauty of nature.
    Firsova Nelia Fedorivna was born on May 20, 1947 in the village of Paliivka, Mala Vyska district, the Kirovohrad Oblast. Studied in the evening classes of Odesa Art School. Graduated from Odesa State Art College named after M.B.Hrekov, the Department of Art Ceramics (1974). Worked in Kirovohrad art and industrial workshops of the Art fund of Ukraine (1970-1994). A member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine (1994), an artist of decorative and applied arts. Merited Artist of Ukraine (2015), a laureate of the Regional Award in Architecture, Heraldry, Vexillology, and Decorative and Applied Arts named after Yakiv Pauchenko in the nomination “decorative and applied arts” (2007). Creative contribution is diverse – from monumental decorative ceramic compositions to figured dinnerware (wall plates). Works have strongly marked individual art traits, in particular, aesthetic exquisiteness, elegance, classic and traditional style in the use of the materials. A special place in the creative work is given to plot composition based on Ukrainian folklore.
    Firsov Serhii Mykolaiovych was born on February 19, 1971 in the town of Kirovohrad (now Kropyvnytskyi). Studied in Kirovohrad Children’s Art School (now Art School named after O.O.Osmerkin). Graduated from Odesa State Art College named after M.B.Hrekov, the Department of Art Ceramics (1990). Worked in Kirovohrad art and industrial workshops of the Art fund of Ukraine (1990-1994). A member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine (1994), an artist of decorative and applied arts. A laureate of the Regional Award in Architecture, Heraldry, Vexillology, and Decorative and Applied Arts named after Yakiv Pauchenko in the nomination “decorative and applied arts” (2009). The creative work is marked with uniqueness and distinctive character. The sculpture compositions represent the author’s contemplations about the sense of life. The works are noted by the bright language of artistic symbols.
    Firsov Oleksandr Mykolaiovych was born on February 19, 1971 in the town of Kirovohrad (now Kropyvnytskyi). Studied in Kirovohrad Children’s Art School (now Art School named after O.O.Osmerkin). Graduated from Odesa State Art College named after M.B.Hrekov, the Department of Art Ceramics (1990). Worked in Kirovohrad art and industrial workshops of the Art fund of Ukraine (1990-1994). A member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine (1994), an artist of decorative and applied arts. A laureate of the Regional Award in Architecture, Heraldry, Vexillology, and Decorative and Applied Arts named after Yakiv Pauchenko in the nomination “decorative and applied arts” (2011). In his creative work prefers new technological searches and experiments in the combining of materials, clay, and glass, in particular. Interested in creating ceramic miniatures.
    Although the artists work in the same studio, each of them has its unique art style. Their works decorate interiors of the following hotel complexes Evropa, Turist, restaurant Maksym, front of the store Vizyt on V.Chornovola Str. in the town of Kropyvnytskyi. The works are kept in O.O.Osmerkin Art-Memorial Museum, regional Local History and Art Museums (now the Museum of Arts) in the town of Kropyvnytsyi, in private collections in Ukraine and abroad.
    The artists participate in the national art exhibitions. Vernissages of their works have been organized in O.O.Osmerkin Art-Memorial Museum many times – “Exhibition of Ceramics of the Firsov family” (1995), personal exhibition of Serhii Firsov “Breath of clay” (1997), as well as in the Regional Art Museum (now the Museum of Arts).
The exposition of the current exhibition consists of works from the museum collection “Modern Ukrainian Visual Art” and the author’s collections. Each item is unique, distinctive, and brightly reflects the peculiarities of the creative style of the talented artists. The original addition to the exhibition is unique photos of the artists in the ceramic studio.