The article considers multidimensional creative activity of Rudolf Koryagin: the artist and the founder of the first private gallery in Kuzbass at the end of the XX century. The author researches the features of his creativity such as innovation, freshness of a view and a range of subjects. The paper studies the the organization activity of Koryagin: since 1987 he was the chairman of the board of the Kemerovo organization of the Russian Union of artists, aimed to create an alternative to Union of Artists organization — private art gallery «Siberian Salon» and promote creativity of young artists. The exhibition activity of R. Koryagin is analyzed. The emphasis is made on the value of Siberian Salon art gallery in art life of Kuzbass at the end of the XX century, which united talented artists — avant-gardists of the Siberian region. The gallery presented the works of art reflecting that layer of the domestic fine arts which was not recognized officially. Creation of the gallery promoted liberation of creative thought of Kuzbass young artists, enrichment of their palette, ways and image methods.