Fresco of the Armenian painter Raphael Atoyan - “On the Way to the Watermill” - has been restored thanks to the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation. The fresco is located in Gyumri city of Armenia’s Shirak Province.

On this occasion, Armenia’s Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghoyan and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills visited Gyumri today.   

At the opening of the restored fresco, Mr Miller said that understanding and showing respect to the Armenian history, they appreciate the tie between the countries and create common future. He also reminded that during the last days of his life Raphael Atoyan live in the U.S. Nevertheless, the Ambassador said, he left behind him works which depict the wonderful flowers of Armenia.

The implementation of three programs funded by the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation is finishing this year. These projects are aimed at restoring the fresco of Raphael Atoyan “On the Way to the Watermill,” excavation and restoration work in Dashtadem Fortress and preservation of archaeological finds in Areni. Overall, the Ambassador's Fund has allocated $200,000 for the implementation of the projects.

According to the Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghoyan, Gyumri has a unique significance for all Armenians, especially from the cultural point of view. “Unfortunately after the [1988] earthquake the fresco was damaged and need rose to create a project which would solve that issue,” Poghosyan said.

Governor of Shirak Province Felix Tsolakyan thanked the U.S. Government for the initiative and financial support. He presented gifts to the U.S. Ambassador (the picture of one of Armenian painters) and the Minister of Culture (the book “Narek”).