Valentina is a multi-media artist and a children’s art instructor based in Virginia Beach, VA. She has studied at the New York Institute of Photography, and at the Perry Glass Studio in Norfolk, VA. She holds an Associate of Studio Arts from Tidewater Community College. Valentina is originally from Russia, a country of beautiful nature, unique architecture, and rich culture. After traveling around Russia, China, Europe, and the United States, she settled in Chesapeake, VA, in 2011, where she currently lives with her husband and daughter.

Valentina’s artworks are influenced by both her heritage and nature. Her artistic journey led her to explore different mediums. Her work includes: hand-blown glass vessels, and sculptural pieces featuring botanical elements, “snow-frosted” finishes, and organic movements of color inspired by water.

She also creates mixed media collages by using antique books, recycled boxes, vintage handwritten letters, photographs, graphite, pastels, and paints. Puzzling them together, she plays with composition to tell a story and connect with the viewer. Such dialogue gives new meaning and value to found objects.

Valentina has won several awards in exhibitions at the Virginia Beach Art Center, where she has been a member of the Artists Gallery since 2017. She is passionate about nurturing the creativity of young artists, drawing inspiration from their boundless energy, spontaneity, and unique perspectives. Through her teaching, she strives to help children express their imaginations and develop their own artistic voices.