Victoria, by Jen C. PicheSeptember, 2014

One of our members, an artist in Ukraine named Victoria Radionova, has such an inspiring story.

Victoria is living with political strife and the threat of war in her native Ukraine. When we first heard from her, she merely asked about our contest and sounded quite discouraged (who wouldn't be, under the circumstances?) She wrote on April 21st of this year "I live inthe miserable Ukraine... If you only knew how hard to live in Ukraine and being an artist!'

As our relationship with Victoria grew, a beautiful shift came about, that gets to the heartof many of our core values here at FASO.

Gayle wrote to her "My heart goes out to you for what you are experiencing... Your paintings are so very lovely! Your entry... 'My Pets,' is really beautiful."

“My Pets“

The next day Padgett wrote to Gayle “I have been thinking about this woman all night (and morning). I am wondering if we should give her a free year.”

So Gayle sent to Victoria “We all were so touched by your email. We really admire the fact that you continue to create your beautiful art amid the crisis going on in your country. We have decided to give you a free year of service on the Gold Plan."

Victoria was elated. April 22nd: “Many thanks for your kind letter! Your letter amazed me to the depths of my soul! You live so far away from me, but you all internally much closerand dearer to me than the people who live nearby. You probably do not understand what it means for me to participate in your contest .... for me participate in your contest is an opportunity to live and breathe .... for me service to Art has become maine purpose of allmy life. I can not live without this. I accept your offer with all my heart! With deep respect to you, Victoria Radionova"

Both Gayle and Padgett exemplify one of our core values that "We're here to nurture and inspire artists to make the world a better place." And when you see Victoria's work, you know that she does indeed make the world a better place.

“I Found Druzhok”

On April 23rd I wrote to Gayle “... this should be shared with Miss P, and then maybe everyone else. It's huge... real life stuff. This woman, creating wonderful art on the otherside of the world, in the middle of horrors we will probably (hopefully) never even really be able to imagine, in our cush little lives... and FASO (via Padgett) is helping her! What a gift, and what a great thing for us to be part of.”

Nearly all of us in the support staff have all been involved in these exchanges, pointing out that we support and inspire each other to be the best at what we do.

From Victoria April 24th: “I really can not believe that this is actually happening! I could not even imagine that all of you will be so kind to me! You are so compassionate... I always wanted to do something good in the Art, something that would give people rest and relaxation. But sometimes there are such situations when from the powerlessness nofaith in myself, there is no faith in people .... You have warmed my soul, have brought joy and hope. Maybe such good deeds (like your help to me) can give life to a tired human being. Now I'm starting to believe that everything will turn gradually. Just need towork hard and have faith in Good that still stronger than evil. May God bless you all!”

I wrote to Padgett “Your (and Clint's) generosity is making an impact across the world!”

In June, Doug wrote to Victoria “Congratulations on being selected for the 'Favorite 15%'... This is a great accomplishment, and I'm glad to hear how it has encouraged you. Thank you also for your insights regarding what is happening in your part of the world. Peace is truly a precious blessing for those of us who have it, and I thank you for reminding me to be grateful, and not to take it for granted. I wish you continued success with your work, and the blessing of peace in your country and among the people of your land.” Here at FASO we treat everyone with respect and dignity.

On August 19th, Carrie chose Victoria as an FAV 15% Feature in Informed Collector:http://faso.com/fineartviews/79623/victoria-radionova-heartwarming

In September, after having been away to volunteer for the Army, Victoria wrote to us: “ I could not even imagine that your lovely site would write about me !!! Thank you so muchfor everything... I ask you to believe me - Art is sense and purpose of my life... I dream true and constantly be with FASO during my entire life.”

“... we believe that God will help us in this (even though the weakness of my country). This is my faith greatly strengthened in the most recent times. Therefore, in spite of everything that happens, I believe in the Goodness and in the Lord's mercy. I even

decided that for now in my paintings do not will be any sorrow. I decided to create paintings about the joy (with sunlight, with bright colors and optimistic). I really want to be with you all my life.”

“Thank you for your constant kindness to me and to my Ukraine. A few months I was going through depression, but now everything has become different.”

“You are so kind to me, and I'm so eternally grateful to you. To me so important the trustthat now you have to me that it can not be overestimated. Without the continued support from your side, I do not know what would have happened with me in the future.”

~ ~ ~Last April, Victoria used words like “miserable Ukraine... if you only knew how hard...

powerlessness, no faith in myself, there is no faith in people...”

By September, there was “joy, sunlight, bright colors, optimistic...”

“Little Violinist”

Art Transforms Lives.

Victoria