VOICES OF UKRAINE: HER STORY, HER ART

We are excited to bring you "Voices of Ukraine: Her, Story, Her Art"! Discover the powerful stories of four remarkable Ukrainian women through their art in this moving exhibit. "Voices of Ukraine" is a celebration of courage, creativity, and the unbreakable will to persevere. Join us in honoring their stories and the enduring power of artistic expression.Exhibit Dates: January 22nd - February 21, 2025 Artist reception - January 31st, 6-7PM Gallery Hours: Wed-Fri 11AM - 5PM, Sat 11AM - 2PM (Closed Sun - Tues) A portion of the proceeds go to the Liberty Ukraine Foundation and HTX4Ukraine.

VOICES OF UKRAINE: HER STORY, HER ART

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Svitlana Parks

I was born in Russia in 1970, but when I was just three, my family moved to Ukraine, where I grew up and spent my formative years. At the age of nine, I was told I couldn’t draw or paint, and for many years, I believed it. Instead, I pursued a career in pharmacy and eventually became a regional manager. While I found fulfillment in my work, it was always accompanied by stress. In 2016, my life took a new turn when I moved to the United States and married an American. For the first time in years, I had the freedom to explore new passions. My artistic journey began with dyed wool painting—a technique that felt instinctively right after I’d experimented with felting small animals back in Ukraine. From there, my creativity blossomed as I ventured into watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting, though dyed wool remains my favorite medium. The vibrant colors, tactile warmth, and 3D texture of wool resonate deeply with me. I love the act of using my hands to create something tangible, blending textures and colors as if I were painting with fibers. Though I also work as a massage therapist and business owner, painting remains my greatest passion. It brings me peace and joy, helping me reconnect with the artistic spirit I once thought I lacked. Over the years, I’ve created and sold many pieces, but I still consider myself a student of art, always learning and evolving. My work is deeply influenced by the warmth of my Ukrainian heritage, and I hope it brings the same sense of connection and joy to others as it does to me.

VOICES OF UKRAINE: HER STORY, HER ART

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Nadiya Volik


I was born in Ukraine in 1961, and as a child, I was captivated by watching my grandmother paint on silk using natural dyes. During WWII, when Ukraine was fighting against Germany, my grandmother discovered three silk parachutes abandoned by German soldiers. She transformed this silk into beautiful blouses, dresses, skirts, and scarves, each adorned with delicate birds and flowers. Every woman in our family owned a piece of her wearable art. Her work has always inspired me, and I’ve been determined to continue the tradition. Although I earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and my professional life didn’t involve art, painting on silk has remained a joyful hobby. I create silk paintings, painted lampshades, pillowcases, scarves, clothing, neckties, and jewelry. I love how the colors on silk shimmer, shifting in hue depending on the light. Painting brings me a sense of harmony with the world—it’s a form of meditation that soothes my soul.

VOICES OF UKRAINE: HER STORY, HER ART

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Olga Beishir


Olga Beishir (née Volik) was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston. After building a successful career in the oil and gas industry, she decided to pursue her dream of living sustainably on a farm in Columbus, Texas. Olga now cares for a variety of pets and farm animals, including cats, dogs, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, a tortoise, a corn snake, a bearded dragon, and a chameleon. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling with her family, gardening, and exploring various hobbies, such as music and painting. Olga also donates much of her artwork to charity fundraisers and causes that are meaningful to her.

VOICES OF UKRAINE: HER STORY, HER ART

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Olena Marasek


I’m an artist from Ukraine, and I earned my Master's degree in art in 2012. Shortly after, I began building my own art school, integrating it with charitable initiatives. Above all, I paint what I’m passionate about, welcoming the challenges that each new piece presents. My favorite subjects include people, architecture, and landscapes. Additionally, I use my art as a powerful tool to support charity projects. Since 2009, I’ve been volunteering with orphans, leading workshops and courses in a variety of subjects, from culinary and computer classes to, of course, drawing. My aim is to inspire others to volunteer as well, turning ordinary people into passionate helpers. This is also why I love painting murals, particularly in orphanages and hospitals. These murals not only raise awareness about the children’s needs but also attract volunteers and support. Although these projects keep me busy, they also provide invaluable experiences. During the war, I had to put my larger ambitions and projects on hold to focus more on my family's needs. However, painting helped me cope with the stress. At the start of the war, my art centered on the battle between light and darkness. Now, as I sense that peace is approaching, I find myself creating peaceful landscapes.