photo courtesy of Helene Zgagowski’s Facebook page
DECEMBER 25, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Helene Zgagowski has been a Ridgewood resident for 13 years and is having her first solo art show this month at the Stable.
“Diverse environments and the richness of the life around me inspire my work,” she said calling the exhibit, “a little glimpse of my life.”
“Whether it is in nature or riding horses, or spending time with family and friends, these are the things that give me joy,” explained the artist. “I’ve been there, done that and lived a good life, and I want to capture these moments forever and what better way than painting these memories on canvas.”
Born in Belgium, her Russian immigrant parents came to the United States sponsored by Tolstoy Farm in New York State. The family later moved to New Jersey.
Zgagowski studied at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art and Montclair State University – Fine Arts. She has also studied oil painting at the Fair Lawn Art League under Pauline Campanelli and at the Ridgewood Art Institute. She studied pottery at the Mudworks Company and jewelry making at the Art School at Old Church.