(Clearwisdom.net) Situated along the beautiful Neva River and just opposite the Smolny Palace is the Exhibition Hall of the St. Petersburg Artists Association, where the first "Russian 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Tolerance' International Art Exhibit" was held on April 28, 2006. This grand international art exhibit of realism and traditional Chinese paintings has been held in various countries around the world during the past two years.

Professor Polozov, chairman of the St. Petersburg Artists Association, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the exhibit. He said, "As an artist, it is impossible for me not to pay attention to this persecution. The paintings on display can awaken people's compassion and conscience, and they will definitely have a positive impact."

Right after the ceremony, guests enjoyed the exhibition. When asked by a practitioner if he would like to sign the petition calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong, a guest from the local government's cultural department replied solemnly, "I must sign the petition so as to express my attitude towards such a cruel persecution."

Twenty artists who are also Falun Gong practitioners painted the works on display. Through the paintings, they helped to display the magnificence of Falun Dafa to people around the world and shared their improvements in character after cultivating Falun Dafa. In the meantime, they also described how Falun Gong practitioners in China are being cruelly persecuted by the Chinese Communist regime simply because they were steadfast in their beliefs. Though the paintings' themes may differ, the message they are trying to get across to people is the same, "The power of righteousness and compassion is indestructible."

This exhibit in St. Petersburg will last for one month, and it will then tour various cities in Russia.