On September 2, a ceremonial opening of a memorial star took place at the Star Alley in the center of Odessa, honoring Gennady Harmider — a distinguished graphic artist from Odessa who left a profound mark in the art world.

This event is part of the celebration for the artist's 80th anniversary, set for 2025.

“Every name on this Alley represents a part of Odessa. These are individuals without whom our city would not be what it is. Today, on City Day, we continue to tell Odessa's story through those who created it,” said Odessa's mayor Gennady Trukhanov.

Gennady Harmider worked in oil painting and etching, creating city landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and illustrating over 200 books. His famous graphic series — “Odessa in the Early 19th Century,” “Odessa and the French,” “Theater and the City” — have become city trademarks.

This year, Odessa also hosted various events in honor of Gennady Harmider: an exhibition titled “Multifaceted Gennady Harmider” at the Museum of Western and Eastern Art, a presentation of a monographic album at the National Scientific Library, and thematic exhibitions at the Literary Museum and the O.V. Bleschunov Museum of Personal Collections.