by Marina DiCarlo-Wierichs
On Friday, July 18 AAFSW members and guests had the pleasure of attending a very unique art studio and home tour at Castlewood House in Vienna, Virginia. Organized by AAFSW Programming Chair, Sheila Switzer, guests were treated to the fascinating history of the home and its owners: Victor and Olga Sheymov, who defected from Russia in the 1980’s.
Greeting each guest at the door, Olga Sheymov was a warm and welcoming host. She first led us through the main floor rooms of the house, starting with the entrance tower which featured a 3 story high ceiling, a Juliet balcony with coat of arms, and two of Olga’s stunning paintings. Our hostess told us that much of the ironwork in the house was created by Danny Hurwitz who is known for his work on the White House gates and restoration of the Statue of Liberty.
As we moved further into the home, we learned that the wide plank yellow pine floors came from a Pennsylvania property and were 250 years old. Much of the interior features of the home featured American craftsmanship using materials sourced from historic locales. This included the wine cellar floor which was constructed of the original bricks from the Gettysburg street where Lincoln made his famous speech.
The house tour ended in the large family room which was set up for a fascinating Powerpoint and video presentation through which our hostess told us the story of her life and art. Unfolding the tale of Olga and Victor's defection from the Soviet Union in the 1980’s, she described a decade in hiding and the creation of a new life in America. Then she shared images and videos of her paintings which she had programmed as animations using AI prompts. The videos brought her colorful and surreal imagery to life, imbuing the works with meaning.
After the presentation we shared a pot-luck buffet in the dining room and were free to wander the home and enjoy Olga'a stunning artwork displayed throughout. The event culminated in a tour of Olga’s beautiful loft studio. It’s airy, peaked roof and large windows make it the perfect space for creativity.
AAFSW would like to thank Olga Sheymov for welcoming us into her home and for sharing her intriguing story with our members.
