Auto portrait: This is Me

Anna Rykaczewska was born in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, and she moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1997. Mrs. Rykaczewska graduated from the highly reputable School of Fine Arts in Warsaw with distinctions and went on to study history of art at the University of Warsaw. Her Master’s Thesis focused on Gothic church architecture in Poland.  For seven years, she worked as an art expert, designer, and evaluator for Ars Christiana, a company specializing in unique religious art.

Mrs. Rykaczewska’s artwork at the US Embassy in Poland

Early in her career, Mrs. Rykaczewska extensively traveled Europe, residing in several countries for extended periods. This allowed her to study the works of the Old Masters, building her art techniques and knowledge. She also organized art exhibitions both in Poland and in Germany, and has continued to do so in the United States. Currently, Mrs. Rykaczewska is an active painter specializing in abstract art, portraits, still life, landscapes, and graphic art. She promotes art in support of her community, and often partners with local organizations to enrich their events.

Mrs. Rykaczewska’s recent accomplishments include:

• In the period between 2015 and 2018, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero has selected seven of Mrs. Rykaczewska’s art works to decorate the Mayor’s office.
• Finalist in the Knoxville Photo 2018 Competition held by The Arts & Culture Alliance in June 2018. Less than 10% of the more than 400 submissions were selected as finalists in this competition.
• On September 25, 2016, Mrs. Rykaczewska’s work accompanied the University of Tennessee’s Ready for the World Music Series focused on Poland.
• Organized an exhibition of Polish Art at The Emporium Gallery in September 2016.
• Held an exhibition of her art at The Emporium Gallery, presenting a series of abstract oils entitled “Look to See” in June 2014.
• In March 2014, Visions Magazine featured Mrs. Rykaczewska as the “Artist of the Month”.
• Several exhibitions of her art at Peter’s Jeweler’s Saloon in Oak Ridge (February – March 2014; November 2006).
• His Excellency US Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe was presented one of Mrs. Rykaczewska’s paintings by the Polish-American community in Knoxville.
• Mrs. Rykaczewska’s lifelike portraits of composer Ludwig van Beethoven and of Maestro Serge Fournier attracted audiences during the intermissions of concerts by the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra and Oak Ridge Chorus in 2003.
• In 2001, Mrs. Rykaczewska was nominated for YWCA’s “Women of Distinction” award for her volunteer art work

In addition, Mrs. Rykaczewska volunteers designing costumes and stage for the Polish Community Theatre.  She also always donates part of the proceeds from her work to charities.

Mrs. Rykaczewska displaying her artwork with Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero