My new and improved www.IvivaOlenick.com

Over the past few months, I hired someone to fix my web site: me. I had interviewed a number of competent designers, and despite falling in love with the idea of having one less job to do as an artist, I decided I wanted control over when and how to update my site. I also didn't feel comfortable with the price tag attached to hiring someone...


I have added some fun, new categories, like "Where to Find Me," which lists current exhibits, and "What People Say About Me," with links to reviews.


I'm about to add a section of custom work. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak of a recent piece commissioned by my mom for my cousins' 15th wedding anniversary. To be added to www.IvivaOlenick.com very soon...

So many people in NY

Anne's open studio in the Berkshires

Thanks to fellow artist and friend, Anne Mourier, in collaboration with Muriel Guepin, for hosting Anne’s Open Studio in the Berkshires,

Featuring the artwork of:

Anne Mourier, photographer and mixed media artist

Painters John Prizeman and Megan Berk

Sculptor Claudia Paneca

Embroiderer Iviva Olenick

9 Yale Hill Road

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Open Wednesday-Sunday, 2-7pm; July 4th – Labor Day

Here is a sneak peak at some of the work that will be included:

 "Flowering Into Abundance." 2012. Embroidery and appliqué of cut, hand screen printed flowers. $950 framed. 13x19".

Creative Chameleon. 2008. Embroidery and appliqué on handkerchief. $500.6x9".

Thank you, embroidery thread fairy

I had a wonderful surprise today. 


I teach embroidery at 3rd Ward in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I was pleased and surprised to find a huge bag of threads of all different colors and twists and finishes left behind by an anonymous donor for my classes. 


Maybe the embroidery thread fairy reads my blog? If so, thank you so much for the thread. It is being put to good use by my students.

Women - Men

I recently saw an exhibit at the Invisible Dog Art Center about birth selection, which is the practice of aborting baby girls in preference for males. Birth selection has led to a lack of women in countries where it is practiced. Without enough women, a population will wane.


Prune Noury, a visual artist, created an extensive installation about birth selection. I found her visual imagery as disturbing as the subject matter.


I created this piece with Noury's exhibit in mind.


Women and men need each other. There's a balance that takes place in any mixed-gender group, which I consider essential and necessary, especially in a work environment or a classroom.