Valentine Svihalek

Valentine Svihalek

Abstract Painter, Educator, Founder

The Story

Valentine is a Belgian and American abstract painter, international educator, community director, podcast host, author, and mother of two. After the birth of her first child in a Czech village surrounded by people who spoke a different language, she felt isolated. Supported by the Artist Residency In Motherhood Program, she developed a process of artmaking that liberates expressive energy and establishes connection. Graduate studies in philosophy and postgraduate studies in teaching, literacy, and culture in San Diego and mentorship with Multimedia Artist, Isadora Stowe provided the foundation for her work. Passionate about education and connecting people with opportunities, Valentine founded the Art Connect Women’s Collective (formerly Art Mums Europe) and the Art Connect Society. Inspired by her community work, she published Mama Meditations: The Imperfect Artist Mother Journey, Mindful Mantras, and The Bright Side: Affirmations For Overcoming as reflections on postpartum experience. She founded the Bella Valentina Artist Residency Program. Valentine has exhibited her abstract paintings and poetry in galleries in Europe, with the Jewish Museum Prague, Canadian BHA Gallery, curated solo and group exhibits. She’s been published in The Huts and Women United international art magazines. In 2022, she published Painting Our World, US: An Artist Diary, and was longlisted for the Women United Art Prize. She hosts the Art Sisters Podcasts and is a member of Spilt Milk Gallery, The Art Queens Society, Create Magazine, Artist-Mother Network, ARIM, Victory Art Gallery.

The Story

Exhibitions

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Trio – Dudes & Barbies Gallery Vnitro Block Prague 2023

That Fresh Feeling – Solo – Cafe Atelier CZ 2023

Power Lies Within – Solo – Women United Art Movement 2022

Like A Mother – Group – BHA Gallery CA 2022

Vanish – Group – Victory Art NL 2022

US: An Artist Diary – Group – Kavarna Pole Czechia 2022

The Colors Of Us – Group – Art Mums Europe 2022

Speaking Through My Hands – Group – Women United 2022

Stronger Together – Group – Art Mums United 2022

European Day Of Culture – Solo – Jewish Museum Prague 2021

Underwater – Solo – CompanyArt Gallery Bratislava 2021

Arts Of Women – Group – Impact Hub Brno 2020

Colors Of Femininity – Duo – Podnik Cafe 2021

Spark Joy – Park Lane Cafe – Solo 2020

Magical Places – Trio 2020

La Casa Verde – Group 2020

Podnebi – Solo 2019

Panelak Of Love – Kabinet Muz – Solo 2019

Stara Pekarna – Solo 2018

Confessions Part II – Vinna Galerie – Solo 2018

Confessions – Duck Bar – Solo 2017 – 2018

Authored

2022 Painting Our World: Personal Stories Of Artistic Ingenuity & Triumph

2022 Us: An Artist Diary

2022 The Bright Side: Affirmations For Overcoming

2020 Mama Meditations: The Imperfect Artist Mother Journey

2020 Mindful Mantras

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

"I wish for everyone to embrace themselves fully, unearthing the natural beauty and energy within."

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