Katya Held is a fine art painter and instructor with more than 25 years of experience, known for her richly expressive work and global artistic presence. Her paintings have been exhibited internationally in galleries and museums, earning recognition from both national and international salon competitions. Katya’s work is included in numerous corporate and private collections around the world.

     Katya’s journey as an artist began in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, Russia, where she spent her childhood immersed in her brother’s studio and wandering the halls of the city’s historic museums. Even as a young girl, Katya’s curiosity and talent were evident—by age nine, her paintings and ceramics were selected for exhibition at the Central Exhibition Hall of St. Petersburg.

     Her early fascination with art evolved into a lifelong dedication. She trained at the Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry, mastering classical painting, drawing, and decorative textiles 6 years. Traveling across Western Europe during her studies, she captured cityscapes en plein air, absorbing the lessons of the Old Masters while developing her own vision.

     Her diploma tapestry, Seven Feet Under Keel, was celebrated in the Stieglitz Museum’s “Best Diploma Works” exhibition, and she was later inducted into the League of Designers of Russia.

     In 1998, Katya expanded her horizons to the United States, establishing studios in both Philadelphia and Saint Petersburg. She continued her studies in traditional painting and drawing in the U.S., Italy, and Russia.

     In 2011, she graduated from the Professional Program at Studio Incamminati—founded by world-renowned painter Nelson Shanks—and went on to become an instructor of painting, drawing and sculpture there, sharing her expertise and passion for contemporary realism with a new generation of artists for twelve years.

     Katya’s work is as diverse as it is meticulously crafted—portraits, figures, cityscapes, rural landscapes, still life, and floral compositions all bear her signature attention to detail, emotional depth, and subtle storytelling. Her paintings have been exhibited in renowned galleries across the United States.

     Guided by curiosity, discipline, and a love for observation, Katya’s art bridges cultures and centuries—connecting Russian classical traditions, European influences, and contemporary American realism. Each piece she creates is a reflection of her lifelong journey: a dialogue between technique and emotion, history and personal vision, inviting viewers to see the world through her eyes.

LIST OF EXHIBITIONS  and  AWARDS

2025

“Studio Incamminati Alumni Exhibition.” Betty Wold Johnson Gallery, BOK, Philadelphia PA.

2024

“PHS Philadelphia Flower Show.” Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia PA.

“Juried Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show.” Philadelphia, PA.

2023

“New Year’s Show of Gallery Artists.” F.A.N. Gallery, Philadelphia, PA.

2022 

Portraiture Semi-finalist. 16th International ARC Salon.

2019

“Solo Exhibition.” Cosmopolitan Club, Philadelphia, PA.

2018

"Artists and Alumni of Studio Incamminati  Exhibition."  Freeman's Auction House, Philadelphia, PA.

2017

Meritorious in Figure/Portrait Category. 2017 Riches Competition.

“Nelson Shanks and His Influence: Past, Present and Future.” Stanek Gallery, Philadelphia, PA.

"Artists and Alumni of Studio Incamminati  Exhibition." Avery Galleries ,Bryn Mawr, PA

"154th Annual Juried Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA

2016

"Studio Incamminati Faculty Exhibition." Manitou Galleries, Santa Fe, NM

"Studio Incamminati Exhibition." Freeman's Auction House, Philadelphia, PA.

"153th Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA.

2015

"Studio Incamminati Exhibition." Freeman's Auction House, Philadelphia, PA.

“Artists and Alumni of Studio Incamminati.” Comcast Center, Philadelphia, PA.

2014

“Solo Exhibition.” Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA.

2013

“Artists of Studio Incamminati Exhibition.”  Brennen Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.

"10th Anniversary of Studio Incamminati." Freeman's Auction House, Philadelphia, PA.

"In the Presence of." Frameworks, Philadelphia, PA.

"Studio Incamminati Exhibition."  National Arts Club, Philadelphia, PA.

"150th Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA.

2012

Finalist in Still Life Category. 16th International ARC Salon.

"Form and Light." Dacia Gallery, New York City, NY.

"The Artists of Studio Incamminati." Freeman's Auction House, Philadelphia, PA.

"Views from 915 Spring Garden St." Center for Architecture Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

2011

"Studio Incamminati Exhibition."Union League, Philadelphia, PA.

"Studio Incamminati Exhibition." Freeman's Auction House, Philadelphia, PA.

"End of year Studio Incamminati Exhibition ." Markeim Arts Center, Haddonfield, NJ.

2010

"Artists of Studio Incamminati Exhibition." Union League, Philadelphia, PA.

"End of year Studio Incamminati Exhibition." Gratz Gallery, Doylestown, PA

2009

"Artists of Studio Incamminati Exhibition." Union League, Philadelphia, PA.

"Two Person Show." William Ris Gallery, Stone Harbor, NJ.

2008

"Featured Artist." Artworks Gallery, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA.

"35th Annual Art Show." Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Villanova, PA.

2007

"Two Person Show." The Philadelphia Museum of Art Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA.

"144 rd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA.

2006

"The Chicago Connection. Chicago Artists and Paintings." Galleries Maurice Sternberg, Chicago, IL.

"Contemporary Group Exhibition." Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, PA.

"143rd Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA.

"Artexpo NY 2006." Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY.

"The Art of Still Life: Nature Morte." Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, PA.

2005

"Third Annual Contemporary Artists Exhibition." Galleries Maurice Sternberg, Chicago, IL.

"Cityscapes." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA.

"Artexpo NYC." Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY.

2004

"Philadelphia Impressions." Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, PA.

2003

Solo Sow. Garth Davidson Gallery, Moorestown, NJ.

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club "107th Annual Juried Exhibition." The National Arts Club, New York, NY.

‘”Solo Show.” Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City, NJ.

"140th Annual Exhibition of Small Oil Paintings." The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA

“30th Annual Art Show and Sale.” Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, Villanova, PA.

2002

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club “106th Annual Juried Exhibition.” The National Arts Club, New York, NY.

“Philadelphia Scenes.” Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, PA.

“Solo Show.” Garth Davidson Gallery, Moorestown, NJ.

“Artexpo 2002.” Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY.

"Views of Philadelphia." Newman Galleries, Philadelphia, PA.

Presentation of paintings at Rodin Museum in Philadelphia, PA.

2001

“Artexpo New York.” Jacob Javits Center in New York, NY.

“Impressions of Philadelphia.” Newman Galleries, Philadelphia PA

“City Hall 100: Celebration.” Juried exhibition. City Hall, Philadelphia, PA.

“solo Show.” The Gallery of ACCC, Mays Landing, NJ.

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club “105th Annual Juried Exhibition.” The National Arts Club, New York, NY.

"Group Show." Philadelphia Museum restaurant, Philadelphia, PA.

2000

"Annual Juried Exhibition of Members of OCAC." Ocean City, NJ.

"17th State Juried Show." Ocean County Artist Guild, Island Heights, NJ.

Juried Exhibition “ Artworks/Waterworks.” The Shops at Liberty Place, Center City, Philadelphia PA.

“Two Man Show.” William Ris Gallery, Stone Harbor, NJ.

Juried Exhibition "Impressionism into the Next Century." Mills Pond House, St. James, NY.

“30th Anniversary of Accent Gallery.” Ocean City, NJ.

“Solo Exhibition.” Ocean City Arts Center, NJ

Exhibition “ Whie Nights.” Museum of A. L. Shtieglitz, St. Petersburg.

"Autumn Exhibition – 99." The Exhibition Hall of the League of Artists of Russia, St. Petersburg.

Exhibition "Petersburg – 99." Central Exhibition Hall St. Petersburg.

Exhibition “Point of View.” Agora Gallery, SOHO, New York, NY.

1998

Exhibition “Decorative Textile-98.” Central Exhibition Hall, St. Petersburg.

“Fall Salon Exhibition.” Hall of the League of Artists of Russia, St. Petersburg.

1997

“Fall Salon Exhibition.” The Exhibition Hall of the League of Artists of Russia, St. Petersburg.

1995

"Exhibition of Best Diploma Works." Museum of A. L. Stieglitz, St. Petersburg.

"Exhibition of Applied Arts." Museum of A. L. Stieglitz, St. Petersburg.

1980-85

Annual Juried Exhibitions "Best Art Works of Young Artists of St. Petersburg." Central Exhibition Hall, St. Petersburg

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