All photos © copyrighted by  Terry Polonsky

Art has the power to influence minds and hearts

Artist's background

As Western Pennsylvania native, I grew up working in the fields and roaming the woods of the family farm. These were the roots of my love for the outdoors and the beauty that I found there. It was then that I began drawing outdoor scenes and wildlife in pencil and in pen & ink. After entering several local township fair art shows, I was encouraged by winning blue ribbons in the youth categories.

My interest in art continued through my college years at Youngstown State University where I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education. In college I discovered a real interest in photography, particularly black & white photography. At that time I became part of a co-op studio in Sharon, PA and shared the space with 3 other artists.

After graduating I worked as a graphic and digital artist for many years.  I also taught Graphic Design and Advertising courses at Youngstown State University as a Limited Service Professor. Years later I turned back to photography as a hobby and began selling and entering my photos in shows. I added painting to my skills when I began studying watercolor painting under the direction of Sherry Liscio in 2013. Most of my watercolor paintings are a reflection of my enjoyment of the outdoors.

In recent years my work has been accepted in several regional juried shows such as the Hoyt Center for the Arts Regional Juried Show, Valley Art Center's Unaltered Photography Show, the Butler Institute of American Arts National Mid-Year show and the the Butler Institute of American Arts Annual Area Artists Exhibition. My work is also on display at several galleries.

Artist's Statement- "People pass by so many wonderful sights. Sometimes it takes the eye of an artist to discover, or make art from even the most common elements around us. Art can be found, made or imagined. The artist is the common element in all forms of art."

Organizations and groups