Rebirth: A Solo Painting Exhibition by Saranda Kalaveshi

Saranda Kalaveshi Born in Kosovo and raised during the turmoil of wartime in the 1990s, Saranda Kalaveshi began exhibiting her artistic talents as early as three-years-old; she would draw animals and replicate cartoon scenes and, as her mother recalls, would “draw with her finger in the air” while asleep. Saranda’s mother began collecting her paintings, many of which were displayed during a solo exhibition at Saranda’s school on her tenth birthday. Her work ethic and talent were regularly celebrated, including art competitions in which Saranda won 1st place for three consecutive years—she was also awarded 3rd place countrywide. As a child, she began investing in her musical talent as well, including attending music schools and becoming a classically trained pianist; however, she continued to showcase her artwork through exhibitions back home. 

In 2010, Saranda had the opportunity to move to the United States to study acting, a feat which she has achieved on several fronts. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BA in Theatre and went on to attain her MFA from the University of Florida, all while participating in a variety of theatre performances, musicals and several film productions in New Mexico and Los Angeles. While her love of the stage certainly became prominent since, Saranda never stopped painting and showcasing her creations. Saranda is a predominantly self-taught artist, and she enjoys spending her free time exploring galleries and museums, reading and studying documentaries on the great artists of the past. She also passionately researches various styles/techniques of painting, absorbing all that she can before diving into a new creation. Saranda’s goal has always been to inspire, educate and entertain others through the interactions between the performing and visual arts, and to this end she remains steadfast in her pursuits of artistic knowledge and revelation.