About

Valentine Svihalek is a Belgian and American visual artist, international educator, and founder & director of Art Connect Society and the Safe Spaces Project.

After the birth of her first child in a Czech village surrounded by people who spoke a different language, she felt isolated. Supported by the Artist Residency In Motherhood Program, she developed a process of artmaking that liberates expressive energy and establishes connection.

Graduate studies in philosophy and postgraduate studies in teaching, literacy, and culture in San Diego and mentorship with American Multimedia Artist, Isadora Stowe Jackson provided the foundation for her work.

Passionate about education and connecting people with opportunities, Valentine founded the Art Connect Society- the BVA Residency, bringing together visual and performing artists in the Czech countryside, and the Art Sisters Podcast.

Inspired by her community work, she published Mama Meditations: The Imperfect Artist Mother Journey and The Bright Side: Affirmations For Overcoming as reflections on postpartum experience. In 2024, she published Safe Spaces: The Rights Of Women Through Their Words, Work & Creativity about the roots of the community, their projects and goals.

She exhibits widely in galleries & cafes in Europe, USA, and Israel, including Jewish Museum Prague. She’s featured in International Art Magazines and podcasts including Colour Me Happy & The Teaching Artist. In 2022, she was longlisted for Women United Art Prize.

She’s collected internationally, including UK, USA, BE, CZ, IN, DE, and is a professional member of Spilt Milk, ARIM, Create, VA Gallery.