"Crazy Russian Lady" Uses Art to Help Idaho Falls Organizations - East Idaho News
Business & Money

“Crazy Russian Lady” Uses Art to Help Idaho Falls Organizations

  Published at  | Updated at

IDAHO FALLS – A local woman, affectionately known as “the crazy Russian lady,” is turning her artistic talent into a fundraising opportunity for several Idaho Falls non-profit organizations.

Marina Zavalova was born in Russia and her father, a professional painter, taught her the craft early in life.

Several years ago, Zavalova moved to Idaho and she spends her spare time in front of an easel working on painting after painting.

“It’s therapeutic and a problem solver,” Zavalova said from her Idaho Falls studio. “It’s everything.”

A few months ago, Zavalova read about fellow artists in other parts of the world holding 24-hour “painting marathons.” The idea touched her heart.

“It was just awesome and I thought I’m strong enough to do this but it should be for a good cause,” Zavalova recalled. “I decided to be somebody’s hero.”

So Zavalova set up shop outside the Idaho Falls Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center. She painted portraits, landscapes, and didn’t stop for 24 hours.

Weeks later, she did another marathon with proceeds going toward PETA and the Humane Society.

“It’s always from 3:00 p.m. Friday until 3:00 p.m. Saturday and I work straight through,” Zavalova said. “It generates so much energy!”

Zavalova plans to do more painting marathons in the future and she hopes other artists join her. She’s proud to be making a difference.

“It’s not what you have in mind but it’s how you put it into action,” said Zavalova. “You have to act on it – not only think or dream.”

SUBMIT A CORRECTION