New Art Show To Feature Queens Programmer-Turned-Painter

LITTLE NECK, QUEENS — A new art exhibition opening in Little Neck will spotlight the work of a Russian programmer-turned-painter.

Moscow native Galina Galmer left the former Soviet Union with her family in 1981 and moved to the United States. After 28 years as a computer programmer at Queens College, Galmer decided to pick up a paintbrush — and hasn't looked back.

"Each painting I create is a portrait of my soul," she said in a statement. "Each painting is, therefore, my self-portrait."

Galmer's acrylic and oil paintings take inspiration from her artist grandfather and an upbringing filled with art and music, according to a press release.

A self-described introvert, she says painting helps her express her emotions and find peace.

"I found a safe place for my thoughts and experiences on my canvases," she said. "Using colors, I developed a sense of greater strength and a new voice for my deepest feelings, fears, and insecurities. Life started to be more colorful and spontaneous. I feel reborn."

The exhibition opens to the public Friday at Commonpoint Queens' Sam Field Center at 58-20 Little Neck Parkway. It runs through Jan. 31, 2020.