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Ivan Stetsenko Belsky (1923-2003)

Artist born in the Dniepropetrovsk Ukraine, October 8, 1923 to father Chariton and Mother Stepanida (Zelena) Stetsenko. Studied at the College of Arts, Dniepropetrovsk, Ukraine, 1941. Maried Nadia Szymkiw, May 19, 1962.

Ivan had a love for painting from an early age. At the age of 8 he began to paint under the direction of Prof. G.D.Haiworonski. He left the Soviet Union in 1943, and continued his work in Poland, Austria, Germany Italy and England. He participated in the war effort by assisting the allies by serving as a volunteer. After the war he settled in Austria where he continued his expanding his painting skills and for a short time running a paint supply factory. In 1949 Mr. Belsky left Europe for Venezuela, where he created some of his most outstanding works.

Mr. Belsky is represented in permenent collections in Venezuala including History Museum of Trojillo, Sanctuary of Isnotu in Isnotu, History Museum of Merida, State Palace in Merida, Murals in the Catholic Cathedral of Merida, Murals in the Church of San Francisco in Chiguara, State Palace of St. Cristobal, Air Force Academy Maracay, Military Airport of Maracay, State Government Place in Maracay, State Government Palace in Maracay, Navel Head Office in Caracas. Also contributed portraits to the Gallery of American Fathers in Santa Marta, Columbia.

In 1964, he moved with his new family to Canada where he continued his work. Murals in St. Josaphat's Cathedral in Toronto, Murals in St. Mary's Church in Toronto, Icons and Paintings in St. V.adimir's Church in Windsor, Paintings for the Bsilian Fathers in Brazil. He is also included in numerous private collections in Canada, US and Venezuala.

In 1979 Ivan returned to Venezuela to continue his work for the Government and Military. He added to his achievements paintings for the Ministry of Defence in Caracas, 53 portraits of the First Military Commanders of Venezuela, Murals for the Los Andes Corporation in Merida, historical battles for the Military Department in San Cristobal, and Multiple paintings for private colletions.

He returned to Canada in 1994, where he continued painting until his death on November 26, 2003.