Polevoy’s works have been shown throughout the former Soviet Union, many European nations, Israel and the U.S., but his paintings from the pre-Glasnost era were once “underground,” since they did not meet the ideological approval of Soviet authorities. Polevoy’s work combines the fantastic with the realistic, and sometimes involves humor and caricature. He is a graduate of the Higher University of Art and Science in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg).

Polevoy has also created several mosaics for churches in Hendersonville, N.C. and Greenville, S.C., where he now lives.

Blowers Gallery is free and open to the public. The gallery is open daily through February 28 with some evening viewing hours. For more information, visit unca.edu/library or call 828/251-6436.

(Image provided by UNC Asheville.)

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