Dana Levin

I attended Belvoir for two years in 1982-83 and returned as a drawing instructor in 1998. I view my time as a camper at Belvoir as a major stepping-stone in my life. It was during my time at Belvoir that I decided to become a visual artist.
It was a revelation to meet young woman from all over the world who loved the arts the same way I did. It was the first time I had been in such a creative atmosphere where people sincerely wanted me to succeed. The culture was and still is supportive and encouraging; I immediately felt comfortable.

Although while I was there I took classes in theatre, voice, and dance; my personality was more comfortable in a painting studio than a stage. That introduction to all the arts instilled an appreciation, especially the performing arts. I saw how tirelessly performers practiced in order to make it look so easy and natural while on stage. That appreciation has deepened my artwork and adds so much enjoyment to my life today.

After Belvoir I graduated with a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and continued my studies with the Four-Year Certificate Program at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. I remained in Italy to teach painting and drawing for four more years before returning to the United States in 2004. Upon my return I began an atelier school- The New School of Classical Art- where I taught the traditional drawing and painting techniques I learned in Italy. My first child was born in 2009 and with my new role as a mother some sacrifices would have to be made. Painting is at the core of who I am and giving it up was not an option. I decided to close the school and take a break from teaching for a while.

I am represented by several art galleries, Eleanor Ettinger Gallery in NYC, Bert Gallery in Providence RI, Principle Gallery in Alexandria VA and Walsingham Gallery in Newburyport MA. I have paintings in the permanent collections of The Everson Museum of Art, New Britain Museum of American Art, and Cape Cod Museum of Art. I have a wonderful and supportive husband and a son who I think may be the happiest child in the world.

I am proud of my career and personal life and I am telling you about it because I feel that attending Belvoir had a great deal to do with it. I remember at Belvoir forming an idea of the woman I wanted to become. There were so many amazing examples of successful women there- professional artists, passionate teachers, caring and patient women. My time at Belvoir and the guidance of Nancy LONG after I left as a camper has helped me realize that woman I dreamt of becoming.

I feel Belvoir helped me become a “successful” person- it helped me find my true passion in life- painting, it gave me the confidence to be a risk-taker, and showed me that to be truly successful we must nurture the loving relationships in our lives.

Thank you Nancy!

Please visit Dana Levin’s website for more of her incredible art.

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