Born: Poland
Elżbieta (Elka) Kazmierczak is a Polish-born printmaker who has lived in North America since 1990. She is a former Head of the Illustration program at SUNY Buffalo (1996-2003) and taught graphic design and image making in North Vancouver, British Columbia and Carbondale, Illinois. As a survivor of abuse, Elka is interested in the creative process for healing, self-knowledge, and empowerment. Equipped with specialized training in the use of art as a healing tool, she expands her skills and experience through collaborations.
"In 2004, I was privileged to establish the Art for Empowerment program at The Women's Center in Carbondale, Illinois. The program was developed to facilitate the healing of women and teen survivors of domestic and sexual violence through art making. I have had the joy of collaborating with several other agencies, providing them with tools to take advantage of the healing power of art in their programs of counseling women and youth."
(Text from brochure for Breaking the Silence: A Woman's Journey, printmaking & fiber art, Illini Union Board Art Gallery, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, April 8-29, 2011.)