We were lucky to catch up with Dary Dega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dary, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The art has always been a part of my everyday life. I grew up in Russia, where even in the smallest town, you could always find many exciting museums and cultural sites. I traveled a lot with my family, and visiting museums and galleries was the main entertainment. It was a part of my life and a source of tremendous inner energy for me. Many of my favorite museums, such as the Rodin Museum in Paris or the Catherine Palace in Peterhof, became a place of solitude for me, a place to read books, and a place of the best memories. Art has always been a part of me. Everything changed after I emigrated to the USA. A small town in Texas plunged me into a prolonged culture shock. At that moment, I realized how much I need art and feel empty without it.
I strived to find museums or new exhibitions in nearby cities at every opportunity or visit as many museums as possible when traveling in other states. Unfortunately, the options were limited, and art was no longer a part of me – it became more of a temporary therapy, not nearly as accessible as before. I really missed it. Shortcomings of the world of the Internet and limited social and cultural life prompted me to take a new look at the museum and gallery as a cultural phenomenon. I opened my own business – an international art gallery and studio, where I display international exhibitions and conduct art competitions, vernissages, and workshops. I teach art to kids and adults a lot, and thanks to a new graduate art program I attended at NSU, I deeply immersed myself in the issue of studying female self-portraits. The museum and gallery business has become my favorite and most exciting work. Every day of mine is now filled with art. When I visit museums and galleries in different cities today, I see artworks as an appraiser, gallery owner, and artist. My view on art is entirely different, but now I can confidently say that art is a part of me and will always be one of the most essential parts of my life.

Dary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the Artist, Founder, and President of Degallery Corp. (2016 – present), an award-winning international art gallery and studio in Bryan, Texas. Degallery has become a renowned hub for art education, exhibitions, and creative workshops for all ages and skill levels. I am also serving as the Founder and President of DEGA International Art Association Inc. (2019 – present), where I have established several notable art events, including the International Kids Art Contest “Happy DEGART,” the “Winter Art Show” for professional artists, and the DEGART International Grand Art Event. These programs foster global artistic exchange, showcase diverse talents, and promote art education among all age groups.
I earned my Master of Arts degree from Northwestern State University in 2023, with a creative research focus on “The Story of Women’s Self-Portrait Through Centuries and Styles.” I hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Medicine from the National Research Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and Health Resorts in Russia, where I also served as a Senior Research Scientist, Group Leader for rehabilitation research, and Associate Professor.
Before I transitioned into the arts, I had a long career in the medical field. I was the Head of the Department of Public Health in the Odintsovo district of Moscow (2011-2013). I held various leadership positions at the National Research Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and Health Resorts in Moscow, where I specialized in rehabilitation medicine and healthcare management.
My professional roles are not the extent of my involvement. I am deeply committed to various community and cultural organizations. I have served as President of the Texas A&M University Women’s Club, a board member for several art societies, and a member of multiple professional and community organizations, including the Portrait Society of America, The Professional Artists of Central Texas, BSC Visual Art Society and the American Business Women’s Association.
I am honored that my artwork has been exhibited in numerous group and solo exhibitions in the United States and has garnered awards, including first place in various categories such as Oil Painting, Mixed Media, and Sculpture at prestigious art competitions. But my general goal is to help local, national, and international artists and talented kids. I love to provide opportunities for artists and support art around the world. My general role as an art philanthropist and ambassador makes me happy and full of energy to continue my life surrounded by beautiful and talented artists.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Unfortunately, our lives now surround politics, conflicts, and war. In the Night Trilogy: Night, Dawn, the Accident, Nobel Prize winner and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel writes, “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes, we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.” I completely agree with this. And, of course, the galleries and artists can be essential in its statements and participation. All my life now is about ART for PEACE! Our kids’ art contest, HAPPY DEGART 2024, collected more than 1600 artworks from kids from around 72 countries with a voice of kids’ World Peace. We tried our best to make the world around us better!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I never thought that an artist should study and improve all his life as a scientist. My decision to go to graduate school again after 45 years was not easy, but it completely changed my position, my life, and my business. I gained colossal experience and connections and, in many ways, changed my attitude toward art in the USA and in general. I decided not to stop at education after graduation from NSU, and now I am a student at Harvard in the Museum Studies program and studying at the Association of International Appraisers. I am energized by changing and trying to keep up with the times. Education is necessary, especially if you are an artist or a businessman and want to be a leader in your field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://degallery.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/degallery.us/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/degallery.us
• Other: https://www.artdega.org