Featured Artist: Katerina Tsitsela, Greece

Katerina Tsitsela received international recognition at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Katerina Tsitsela, "Yota Looking...", Oil on canvas, 80 X 150 cm

Artist statement
“I am a landscape artist with a focus on Inner Landscape. My issue has to do with landscapes that express certain mental states and are interpreted psychoanalytically as "inner landscapes" landscapes of the human soul. The paintings reveal my dark inner landscape, in which invade bundles of light, revealing in the eyes of spectator the forms that are deplored from existential situation in which they are found.

My interest is focused in the search of the excessive and eternal truth that is found after completion our trip in matter. My quest is reflected in my paintings through the attribution of light the source of which is not revealed and is out of the painted canvas, implying the transcendent origin. “… Light is one of the names given to God.”

In contrast to the light, the darkness in my work does not declare the simple absence of light, but the autonomous and self-reactive force that keeps the protagonists of my works in an eternal standby immobility and simultaneously readiness for the revelation that follow. The sentimental situation of forms, testimony by the expressionist disposal with which I have used the color and the turmoil caused by the embossed touch and pasted burlap on the surface of the canvas.”

Education Academia di Belli Arti, Pietro Vanucci , Perugia , Italy. Fine Arts of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Master of Fine and Applied Arts Department of the School of Fine Arts of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Recent awards and exhibitions John F. Kennedy, Center for the Performing Arts, Collection << HANDICAP >>, Washington D.C, USA 48th Dimitreia Workshop Thessaloniki Laboratory of Visual - Lectures with Delfim Sardo, Howard Caygill and Evantheia Tsantila 2014 Gallery representation Vlassis Art gallery, In Art, Zina Athanasiadou Gallery CHANiaART, Contemporary Art< Museum Chania Olivepress Basilica of St. Mark, Heraklion, Crete, One story five plus one civilizations with the important art exhibition " Only you Rotokrite”

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" was held March 9-April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org 

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Kaliya Kalacheva, Bulgaria

Kaliya Kalacheva received international recognition at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Kaliya Kalacheva, "Pieces III" Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 16 in.

Artist statement
“The painting “Pieces III” is part of the series called “Pieces”. Here is part of the concept:the working title of the series was "Everything" but everything broke into a thousand pieces and this became the more logical title. Then I broke, not literally, but naturally, as for all young people who constantly spill themselves.
You break wherever you find! You quite crack, tear to pieces, spread whenever and wherever it happens. Chance. No. A must. Everything gathers in your head and spills into pieces. Delicately, studiously until dawn, you are busy sticking pieces of the old world into the new world just hatched, one newly built body.” Education
National Academy of Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria, Master Degree.

Recent Awards
2016 solo exhibition “Pieces” in Yuzina Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria. Nominated for Allianz National Exhibition presented in Union of Bulgarian Artists
Recent participations in: "Accessible Art Fair Brussels 2016", Musee Juif de Belgique. "Imago Mundi: Map of the New Art“, Luciano Benetton collection, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice, Italy. “The Next Step Generation”, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium. “My name is Artist”, Art Center Hugo Voeten, Belgium.

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" was held March 9-April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org 

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Julija Proskurina, Poland

Julija Proskurina, received international recognition at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Julija Proskurina, "Alter Ego", Digital Collage, 11.8 x 11.8 in. 

Artist statement

“The artwork is a part of the 'Cutting out the Conscious" series of digital collages made from discovered vintage illustrations. The works first exhibited in Geleria Wyjscie Awaryjne in Warsaw, Poland."

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" was held March 9-April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801.  

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Irina Goryunova, Russia

Irina Goryunova received international recognition at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida. Irina was this year's international guest artist at the Women in the Arts Awards event.

Irina Goryunova

28°31′10.5″N 81°22′36.5″W.

Oil on canvas

40″x30″

"I was in America on June 12, the day of the nightclub shooting in Orlando and I made a painting dedicated to the victims of the tragedy. I called it 28°31'10.5"N 81°22'36.5"W, the geographical coordinates of the Pulse nightclub."- Irina Goryunova

 Artist statement 

"We, the people—though we each have our own dreams, views on life, and goals—live on the same planet and breathe the same air. Blood of the same color runs through our veins. We are all people who each want to live, to love, and to be loved. We all want to see a continuation of ourselves in our deeds, our children, and our legacy. And although I believe we are one people I see us divided and classified by our differences, and I will not accept those divisions.
For this reason, I named this piece using the geographic coordinates of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. In the numbers, no skin color, sexual orientation, political or religious belief is visible, just the location of the tragedy. There is no categorization in the title. We the people are together.”

Irina is represented by Agora Gallery in New York City.

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Lidia Simeonova, MI, U.S.

Lidia Simeonova received national recognition at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Lidia Simeonova, "Why", mixed media over wood panel

Artist statement
“This is a portrait of a woman who finds herself in a special place in her life. She wonders about the changing world around her and how it impacts her reality...hundreds of questions with little answers...Why? 

The artwork is mixed media, including acrylic, black ink, color pencils and some silver leaf. This painting is currently on display at Art leaders Gallery, West Bloomfield, MI.” 

Education
Veliko Tarnovo University of Fine Arts, College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI

Recent Awards
Honor Award from Gross Point Art Association 2017, Palm Art Award, certificate of excellence, 2014

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Jan Golden, TX, U.S.

Jan Golden received national recognition at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Jan Golden, "Wuthering Heights", found objects, copper, agate sculpture, 14 x 12 x 6 in.

Artist statement
“As a sculptor, I endeavor to shape, abstract, and reorder materials that are often overlooked or dismissed. As a piece takes shape, the smallest detail, structure, and finish become equally important to me. Regardless of the materials I choose to combine, the intent of my work is always to emphasize textures, celebrate detail, and create works that convey a sense of history or journey. I believe it is the role of the artist to help expand our vision and responses to the world around us and to encourage a deeper connection to all things.”

Education
St Andrews Presbyterian, BA- Art

Recent Awards
Recipient of Escapist Mentorship Program 2017, John Ross Palmer, Houston, TX.

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Wendi Swanson, Orange County, FL

Wendi Swanson received Honorable Mention at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Wendi Swanson, "Courage", Charcoal, 17 x 11.5 in.

Artist statement

"I consider my art to represent a classical yet modern element. I want to capture the life in today's world and express this to the best of my ability. I like to focus on people and botanicals, as they both are alive, beautiful, and withered. I wanted to specifically display this towards women in my work for this competition, to exemplify just a few emotions some women endure and overcome. ”

Education
Seminole State College.

Recent exhibitions and awards 
Best of Show at Seminole State College, student art show, 2012.

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Pat Lentine, Orange County, FL

Pat Lentine received Honorable Mention at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Pat Lentine, "Ava Rose", drawing, 10 x 10 in.

Artist statement

“This work is Colored Pencil. I try to convey an expression and/or a mood. I am a realist, but not a photo realist. I usually paint from a photo and work on the likeness, but alter the photo to make a better painting. The paintings in this exhibition express a dreamy mood, a little pixie, fun in the sun, and a typical thirteen year old.”

Education

Northern Illinois University.

Recent exhibitions and awards

“I have been juried into the International Colored Pencil Society's annual show and have earned signature status. I have also been juried into the annual CPSA Explore This show and have two legs toward signature status.”

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Michelle Irizarry, Orange County, FL

Michelle Irizarry received Honorable Mention at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Michelle Irizarry, "Drowning In Thoughts", oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in.

Artist statement

“I like to paint in many different media and styles. I am a Water Resources Civil Engineer and have always loved the beach and natural wetland areas of Florida. Water has always been a source of inspiration and relaxation for me. I am also drawn to images of human suffering, healing and triumph over adversity so I often try to combine these two themes in my work.”

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Recent exhibitions and awards

2016

Juried into Winter Garden's SOBO gallery art shows every month for the past year.

45th Annual Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition, College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, Ocala, Florida ("Simply Valeria" juried by juror Ted Nuttall)

"Lost" - Second place, 2nd Annual Lifestyle Magazine Art Contest. 

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Francine Levy, Seminole County, FL

Francine Levy received Honorable Mention at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Francine Levy, "Hagens Cove", Pastels, 16 x 20 in.

Francine Levy 

Artist statement

“My type of art consists of design and a realistic form of pastel paintings. The concept is impressionistic to convey the beauty of nature that I see, using the medium of pastel with its vibrant pigments. Inspired by our delicate and endangered environment I focus on the extraordinary nature that surrounds us and try to capture the essence of the moment that inspires me and convey it to others.”

Education

Ecole Fernand Cocq, Brussels, Belgium- Diploma: Graduated in Fashion Design and History of Arts and Costumes

Recent exhibitions and awards

Sanford Seminole Art Association (SSAA)

Pastel Society of Central Florida(PSCF)

Central Florida Plein Air Artists (CFPAA)

National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW)

Daytona Beach Art League

Gateway Center for the Arts

City Factory: Ovalution (Oval 10th Reunion)

Mount Dora Center for the Arts

Casselberry Art House 

University Club, Winter Park

Awards in 2016:

Best of the Show (SSAA)

First Prize Fall Show(PSCF)

Merit Award Spring Show PSCF

Award of Recognition, Daytona Beach Art league

Awards in 2015:

First Place (SSAA)

Award of Distinction, Daytona Beach Art League

Merit Award (PSCF)

Awards in 2014:

Merit Award, (PSCF)

Awards in 2013:

Best of the Show (SSAA) 

Peacha Wiggins Awards (SSAA)

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact

Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Denisse Berlingeri, Orange County

Denisse Berlingeri won 5th. place at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" and the "Patron's Choice Award" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

Denisse Berlingeri, "Tropical Tracing", acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 in.

Denisse Berlingeri

Artist statement

“I create eye-catching artwork, which expresses joy and positive energy. With the juxtaposition of various shapes in bright colors and richly textured surfaces, I create a unique effect that gives me unlimited possibilities for exploring. I project the impressions left in my memory by various emotional experiences. I see my work not only as a piece of art, but also as a visual approach to language and cultural expression. My paintings are a constant change of forms, an expression of moments in time transposed in colors, forms and shapes, that result in an intriguing expression of my love and passion for what I do.”
These four pieces are part of a collection of paintings that follow the same creative style that consists of a ludic line that travels eerily all over the canvas, starting and ending at the same point, while creating spaces of color that connect to form a vivid composition filled with vibration and rhythm that give balance through contrast or harmony. It allows the viewer to give free rein to their imagination and interpret in their own way.”

Education

Miami International University of Art & Design - A.A. Fashion Design

University of Puerto Rico - B.A. Marketing Management

Recent exhibitions

2017

SoBo Gallery - “All Mixed Up” - Winter Garden, Florida

2016

Leesburg  Center for the Arts - Tres Estilos, Una Pasión” - Leesburg, Florida

Orange County Library & Orlando Museum of Art - “Sam Flax Paint Strong Orlando Campaign”

Osceola Arts - “Celebrating Hispanic Artists & Culture” - Kissimmee, Florida

The Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall - “Hispanic Heritage” - Orlando, FL

Art Gallery at Mills Park - “La Diaspora” - Orlando, Florida

Faith Arts Village Orlando (FAVO) - “La Diaspora” - Orlando, Florida

Puerto Rican Summit - “La Diaspora” - Doubletree by Hilton at Sea World - Orlando, FL

Leesburg  Center for the Arts - “Love Potions” - Leesburg, Florida

Awards

2013 - Feature Artist of the Week - Florida Artists Registry - Orlando, FL

2011 - First Place Sculpture - Juried Student Exhibition Crealdé School of Art

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The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact
Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.
Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org


Support this program

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors, Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.

Featured Artist: Mila Belle, Orange County, FL

Mila Belle is the 4th. place winner at the 2017 Women in the Arts Inc. competition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida.

       
       Mila Belle, "Damiana",  Ceramic, 12 x 13 x 5.5 in.

Mila Belle | Orange County, FL

Artist statement

“My type of art mirrors my life, a continuous exploration of both the outer and inner worlds, of technique, of medium, of language, and perception. 

These particular pieces represent finding a deeper connection to the natural world, the earth, its rhythms, its creatures, its voice. I have come to an awareness about my own seat of consciousness within the human experience. As an observer and participant of this human experience, I feel the dynamic tension between living as an animal with instinctual forces and living as a human with intellectual forces. The two worlds existing simultaneously within one being, this is the human condition, this is the duality. I have come to understand that often the source of my suffering has been an inner battle of these two forces always at odds with each other, an inner battle. If one side wins over another, I am knocked out of balance and live as a creature defeated and confused. It is only with the knowledge of this dynamic resistance that i can y seek a balance between these two worlds. 

The women depicted in these works of art exhibit a strength that is rooted in their acceptance and acknowledgement of the responsibility that comes with an acute awareness that extends both micro and macro-cosmically. These women understand and accept their seats of power within the duality of human existence. Each woman embodies with pride animal characteristics, she channels a certain aspect of the natural world holding it in balance with the human constructs of the mind. These women warriors lead the way through transmitting the wisdom of the ancient while also staying in the context of the present state of the world. The inner balance that they hold between opposing forces is also expressed and translated into their roles within their families, tribes, communities, and nations. These women warriors are here to transform the patriarchal narrative of fragmented reality, of separation, exclusion, injustice and war. ”

Education

Stetson University BA in Humanities, Minor in Fine Arts.

Full Sail University AS in Digital Media; have taken courses through Ox-Bow School of Art, ARTIS study abroad, and Crealdé School of Art. 

Recent exhibitions and awards

New Works from Crealdé’s Emerging Artist Program: Photography, Ceramics and Sculpture.

The Women in the Arts exhibition "Celebrating the Genius of Women" is on view until April 23, 2017 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32801. 

Contact: Mike Donohue 407 835-7483 | Community Relations, OCPL
Contact Maria Guerrero: womeninthearts@gmail.com | Women in the Arts Inc.


Visit Women in the Arts: www.womeninthearts.org

Support this program:

JOIN WOMEN IN THE ARTS

This event is sponsored by Women in the Arts, corporate and private donors,

Studio-T Photography, and Baterbys Art Gallery, in partnership with the Orlando Public Library.