Irene Czys

I was born in the 1950's in a “bad” neighborhood in South Brooklyn, NY. The street wasn't a pretty place. However, my grandmother lived downstairs and managed to keep a beautiful small garden that became my refuge to write, draw and paint. My parents bought me artx supplies so I could create the world I wanted to see. As a result, I started drawing and painting at an early age. Although a mostly self-taught artist, while pursuing academics in college, I also studied art at the Arts Student League in NYC, and Brooklyn College. After college, I went to work in publishing and advertising in NYC, and left my paints behind. I married and moved to Rockland County in 1976.
In Rockland, I enjoyed a 22 year career in Graphic Arts, Marketing and Publishing. In 1998, I returned to my love of art and opened the Arts Alive Art School and Studio in the Garnerville Arts Center where I taught Drawing, Watercolor and Acrylic classes and workshops. I went on to have studio/class locations in the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, and also in Nanuet and in Blauvelt. In 2015, I paused my art and teaching to focus on my interest in photography and video production.

I still work in photography and video production, however, returning to my love of art, I r...

Over the years, Irene has sold art online and exhibited at:
Lincoln Center, NYC - IBM Headquarters
Garrison Art Center - Hopper House, Nyack, NY
Barnes and Noble Bookstore
Helen Hayes Hospital
Renaissance Gallery, Blauvelt, NY
Garnerville Arts Center, Garnerville, NY
Arts Alive Art Gallery, Nyack, NY