On May 14, 2001, the P.I. Sholokhov Art Gallery was solemnly opened in Borisoglebsk. This event was the result of many years of work to create a collection of artworks and the experience of the visual arts department of the local history museum.

Borisoglebsk played an important role in the fate of many talented artists, whom the locals proudly consider their compatriots. Among them are masters such as A.P. Ryabushkin, A.V. Kuprin, N.M. Chernyshev, and P.I. Sholokhov.

The artistic traditions of the region have deep roots. Even before the revolution, there was a studio in the city where young talents received solid knowledge.

The era in the artistic life of Borisoglebsk is associated with the names of art historian M.V. Ilyinsky and artist L.S. Bednov, who nurtured more than one generation of masters.

On November 5, 1987, the Borisoglebsk local history museum opened its doors to the first visitors in seven small but cozy exhibition halls.

Exhibition activities and common interests united veteran artists, such as Yu. Zhdankin and S. Biryukov, with a new generation of masters, including A. Biryukov and N. Turyev, as well as all art lovers.

With the increase of the collection, the desire arose to create a gallery in a separate building. The mansion of merchant Polyakov, built in 1910, was ideally suited for this purpose due to its harmony with the surrounding nature.

There is a legend that the son of merchant Polyakov, who became a talented architect, built this mansion as a gift for his father on his anniversary, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his beloved profession.

The gallery's exhibition should best begin with the hall dedicated to the works of A.P. Ryabushkin, N.M. Chernyshev, A.V. Kuprin, and I.I. Mashkov.

Pyotr Ivanovich Sholokhov was called the "oldest artist in Moscow," but his heart always belonged to Borisoglebsk. In his letters, he often reflected on the significance of his hometown for many famous artists and dreamed of presenting their works here.

In 1982, Sholokhov gifted Borisoglebsk 70 of his works, which marked the beginning of the creation of the city art gallery. The painstaking work of forming the collection began.

Sholokhov, as an artist and educator, was happy to live and work for the people. He was attracted to all genres: landscape, still life, interior, portrait. The master's works are composed in series, extending over decades. In his still lifes, he was interested in old books, a burnt-out candle, wilted flowers, not the obvious beauty, but its hidden manifestations.

In 2000, the gallery was named after P.I. Sholokhov with the approval of grateful compatriots.

Sholokhov created a living connection between the city of his childhood and the students who imbued with respect and love for their teacher's native land.