Natasha Dikarena    

Wishing You Blue Sky

As I submerge in the stories and struggles currently unfolding from my motherland Ukraine, I feel determined to create sculptures that serve as symbols of hope, resilience, and unity. Each piece embodies a longing for a peaceful scene, where the clouds of war disperse, revealing a serene and boundless blue sky. Hands serve as symbols of healing from the wounds of war, both physical and emotional. Birds remind us that even in the face of disaster, there is always the possibility of renewal and the arrival of good tidings. The all-seeing eyes incorporated into hands and birds watch over us, representing wisdom and protection. These eyes remind us that we are never alone in our pursuit of healing, as they guide us towards a brighter future. This exhibition is an homage to the incredible resilience of my fellow Ukrainians and a tribute to the power of compassion during difficult times. Through my art, I hope to not only shed light on the ongoing war in Ukraine but also to highlight the strength and beauty that persist amidst the turmoil. I hope that one day, our collective dreams for a peaceful future will be realized, and we will bask under the embrace of a radiant blue sky.

Janice Leahy                                  

In Somnis Veritas:  In Dreams There is Truth

I wanted to be different, a bit of a non-conformist.  I like edgy art; I’m not attached to any one
particular theme. Therefore, my work is a mixed bag of this and that. I’m attracted to bold
colors, working with profiles or abandoned buildings; interior and exterior. There is something
that makes one look deeper at those images.  I consider this my darker contemporary phase. 
I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a child.  I studied business in college for economic
purposes (though I was accepted at two art colleges).  I did take the one-off class for art in
addition to business class but never completed any art degree.
​My work has been shown at NE Galleries.  I am a member of the Seacoast Art Association in
Exeter, NH, the Nashua Art Association in Nashua, NH and the Salem Art Association in Salem,
MA.  My work was published in the Apero Fine Art Catalogue (Oct. 2018).
Grief took over when I lost my spouse in 2019 and son in 2020.  I switched my primary medium
from Oil to Acrylic. Both losses have been difficult but also inspirational to me through my faith.
I am thankful for every day I breathe.  I believe my works reflect that.