First Friday art show to benefit blind students in Russia

Published May 31, 2008 in Fairbanks Daily News Miner
By Jan Thacker

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The North Pole Art Society/Watercolor Wednesday First Friday show June 6 will feature the work of Yelena Matusevich, and visitors should expect something very different from other First Friday shows. Matusevich's work is unusual and visually delightful. She tends to use brilliant colors, intriguing subjects and, sometimes, complex designs. To me, her work is lively and bright and joyful. "My art has been called therapeutic and healing, and people buy or commission it because my work brings them light and joy," she said.

Matusevich is excited about her upcoming solo show, not only because it will feature her work, but because if it is a financial success it will help her help others in her homeland of Russia. All proceeds will be donated to blind students so they can attend the St. Petersburg Institute of Theology and Philosophy, one of the few schools in the country to accept the blind. She said it costs around $800 for a year's tuition.

"So far, I was able to support two blind students until the graduation. It makes me happy to share my gift by helping those who cannot see to discover beauty of learning," she said.

Matusevich teaches French and literature at UAF and says her artistic inspiration is as mixed as her background: Russian, Jewish and French.

"My other inspiration is the medieval art of illumination. As a professional medievalist, I have published a scholarly book in France and many articles in French, English and Russian. I am currently working on two other major publications. As an artist, I am just trying to be true to myself. If one can tell certain influences in my work, they are not intentional. More than anything, I love flowers and cats. It certainly shows in my paintings."

After she attended art school in St. Petersburg, Russia, Matusevich's first exhibit took place in Aix-en-Provence, France. She said that while living in France she led the career of a professional artist, having regular shows while working on commission. In 2005, she showed her work at a personal exhibit in St. Petersburg.

In Fairbanks, her work has been exhibited at Artworks, Alaska House, New Horizons and Annex galleries. Her cards are available at the UAF Bookstore, Gulliver's and Alaska House. A children's book she has written, "Baby Dreams," will be published soon by Books Within Reach LL.

Despite a busy life as a UAF professor, Matusevich is dedicated to her artwork. "I paint whenever I can and wherever I can," she said. "Not having a studio, but having a four-year-old, my main medium is acrylic (it dries fast)."

Since she doesn't depend on art sales for support, she said she doesn't need to compromise or commercialize her work. "I consider myself very fortunate, and I believe that this extra income should be given back to God. I paint because I love beauty. Beauty in people, flowers and animals overwhelms me, and I try to render this beauty in my work. When people started to buy my work, I decided that I must give back to the Lord the gift he freely gave me."

The North Pole Art Society's First Friday show runs from 4:30-9 p.m. with the artist's reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

In addition, because the Grange Swap and Sell is the following day, the show will be open Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To get to the Grange Hall, follow the signs on Santa Claus Lane.

For more information on First Fridays, Watercolor Wednesday weekly sessions or North Pole Art Society, contact John Poirrier at 488-7247.