Heritage Museum Selections

A past exhibit at the Antiochian Heritage Museum, entitled "Spirit and Whimsy, " featured the art of Niko Chocheli. Chocheli is one of the foremost artists to emerge from the Republic of Georgia, a nation rich in early Christian history. An acclaimed iconographer, illustrator, and award-winning artist, Chocheli draws upon the artistic traditions of both East and West, as well as his Orthodox Christian heritage, creating colorful and expressive paintings which have been shown throughout the world and which are held in many prestigious collections. During the past ten years, his illustrations have graced the pages of seven children's books, published by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Regina Orthodox Press, and most recently by Conciliar Press. Spirit and Whimsy marks the first time that a comprehensive exhibit of Chocheli's work, with examples from each of the books that he has illustrated, has ever been presented. He uses a variety of media in these paintings, including pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, and gold and silver metallic paint.