A native of Poland, Paulina Swietliczko moved to Roanoke nearly 10 years ago, after teaching art and painting in California.

Here in Roanoke, Swietliczko specializes in plein air painting. “I love being outside and studying Roanoke’s historic houses,” she says. “Grandin Village, Old Southwest, South Roanoke, Raleigh Court, Downtown, and Mill Mountain are among my favorite places.

“I believe that old houses retain some of the character of their past owners. There is so much history and character in old buildings. My goal is to engage people in the arts as viewers and creators, to make art even more accessible in our community.”