Meet Alexandra Terleckyj, a talented artist with an inspiring journey. Born during World War II in Lviv, Ukraine, Alexandra and her family found themselves in post-war Germany. In 1949, they made their way to the United States, settling in Philadelphia, PA.
From an early age, Alexandra was drawn to art, a passion her father, Dmytro Honta, wholeheartedly supported. In 1952, when the Ukrainian Art Institute opened in Philadelphia, Alexandra eagerly began her lessons there under the guidance of Professor Petr Mehyk.
Life threw a curveball in 1957 when her father passed away and her family moved to New Jersey. Despite the upheaval, Alexandra continued to pursue her art at Overbrook High School while also excelling in her other studies. Financial constraints kept her from college, but she persisted, working as a designer in an embroidery factory and taking evening art classes at Moore College of Art.
Life’s demands grew with marriage and children, but Alexandra managed to balance it all—work, family, and art. Over time, she honed her skills across various mediums like oils, watercolors, pastels, pencil, ink, and even ceramics. She remained curious, always exploring new subjects and techniques. Recently, she’s been delving into iconography, taking classes with Fr. Damian Higgins to expand her artistic repertoire.
Now, Alexandra and her husband call Arizona home, where she finds inspiration in the vibrant light of the Sonoran Desert. Her artistic journey continues, filled with new opportunities and challenges.
Sources
Moore College of Art
Google Maps – Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception