City of Beavercreek, OH

10/06/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2022 12:04

Artwork of artists Cindy Sayeedi and Barbara Olekas on display at The Gallery

The artwork of artists Cindy Sayeedi and Barbara Olekas will be on display at The Gallery at Lofino Plaza throughout October.

Barbara Olekas

Growing up, Barbara Olekas always loved to draw, but really fell in love with art in her adult years after taking a Chinese wash painting class with a friend. Since then, she has taken many more art classes.

Her favorite medium is watercolor, but also creates pieces using acrylic and colored pencils. One of the pieces on display that she is most fond of is of her grandson, Brandon.

Barbara says she likes for her pieces to tell a story. "I find it very difficult to paint a picture when I can't relate to the subject," she said. "I am always on the lookout for the next picture and usually carry a camera with me at all times."

Barbara was born in Charlestown, Indiana, but has lived in the Dayton/Miamisburg area for most of her life. Today, she lives in Germantown with her husband of 60 years, Joe. They have two boys, Paul and Patrick.

Cindy Sayeedi

Art has always been a hobby for Cindy Sayeedi. Her father and sister were both artists, but Cindy did not have an interest in pursuing art until later in life.

With her husband in the military, Cindy and her family have lived from coast to coast. She is originally from Denver, Colorado and has always had a love and appreciation for animals. After moving to New Hampshire, she began painting the nature around and continues to do so today.

The mediums Cindy used for her pieces included in this month's art gallery include colored pencil, oil, and watercolor. She is most proud of her piece, "The Downy Woodpecker," which was published in a magazine called the Decorative Painter. Fun fact, an ornament she painted was accepted into the Smithsonian Museum of Art for one of their Christmas trees in 2009.

Overall, Cindy hopes people will gain enjoyment from her artwork.

The Lofino Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be accessed through the Beavercreek Senior Center, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road. If you are an artist and would like to display your work at The Gallery, please pick up an application at center or call (937) 426-6166.