Vlasta Smola
I come from Ukraine where I received a BA in the English Language and Literature. In this country, I got a MA degree in Communication Arts from the University of Iowa. I also have taken art classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Beauty is the main reason and purpose for my art. I spare no obstacle in both challenging and expressing the power and mystery of beauty.
My favorite media are acrylics and watercolor. The subject matter are birds in their real or mythological interaction with the human universe. I strive to depict the dualistic nature of reality, conscious and subconscious states of the mind, and to create examples of modern mythology. My paintings explore a dream-conscious state in order to increase a depth of perception and to develop a poetic worldview.
SELECT EXHIBITIONS
2015
Art Renewal Center, 12th International ARC Salon
Dubuque Museum of Art Biennial exhibition
Orcas Island Bird Fest "All Things Birds and Beautiful"
2014
The Academy of Fine Arts, Lynchburg, VA
Art Renewal Center, 11th International ARC Salon
Portraits, Limner Gallery, Hudson, NY
2013
San Diego Art Institute, 52nd International Exhibition
Art Design Consultants, Cincinnati, OH
Strange Figurations, Limner Gallery, Hudson, NY
CLWLC 117th Art Exhibition, New York, NY
2012
Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Miniatures and More Exhibition, Albuquerque, NM
Woman Made Gallery, Inspired by..., Chicago, IL
2011
The American Art Awards, on-line competition and art gallery http://www.AmericanArtAwards.com/2011winners.html
Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Miniatures and More Exhibition, Albuquerque, NM
Maryland Federation of Art, Strokes of Genius: A Fine Art Painting Exhibition, Annapolis, MD
Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, The 100th Exhibition, Mystic, CT
Academy of Fine Arts, National Juried Exhibition, Lynchburg, VA
Kentucky Art Speaks K.A.S. Gallery, Express Yourself Show, Louisville, KY
2010
International Society of Acrylic Painters, 13th Annual ISAP International Open Exhibition, Santa Cruz, CA
Katharine Butler Gallery, 5th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Sarasota, FL
Woman Made Gallery, Beyond Audubon, Chicago, IL
Orange County Center for Contemporary Art International Show Revisiting Beauty, Orange County, CA
Chicago Artists' Coalition, 12th Annual Chicago Art Open, Chicago, IL
North Valley Art League 26th Annual National Show, Redding, CA
Elmhurst Artists' Guild 2010 Premier Show, Elmhurst, IL
97th Annual Exhibition, Allied Artists of America, National Arts Club, New York, NY
2009
AWA National Juried Competition, American Women Artists, South Street Art Gallery, Easton, MD
2008
11th Annual Chicago Art Open, Chicago Artists' Coalition, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
Municipal Art League of Chicago Biennial-Midwest Fine Art Competition Exhibition, Chicago, IL
Woman Made Gallery, 11th International Open, Chicago, IL
Art Against AIDS, the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Gallery 180, Chicago, IL
2007
Acquisition Exhibition, the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Chicago, IL