Welcome to Helena Modjeska Art and Culture Club
Tomas Osiński
short biography
Saturday, April 11, at 5:30 pm
At the residence of Joanna and Andrzej Maleski
Tomas Osinski grew up in Warsaw, in the Grochów district-at the time not considered the best part of the city. He considers himself fortunate, as growing up in a challenging environment helped shape his resilience and strength. He was accepted into the State High School of Fine Arts located in Łazienki Park in Warsaw, where he underwent-as he describes it an important formative and artistic process. He later studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. During this time, he began exhibiting his work in respected galleries. At the end of 1981, anticipating major historical developments, he left Poland with his wife Ewa and moved to the United States. In 1982, they arrived in Los Angeles, where he met Frank Gehry. From 1982 to 1985, he worked in Gehry’s studio before deciding to pursue his own independent path. Over time, their relationship developed into a long-standing friendship and collaboration spanning more than four decades. Osinski played a key role as a fabricator of highly complex projects, including the Eisenhower Memorial tapestry in Washington, D.C a project particularly meaningful to him, also due to the involvement of his daughters, Thea and Mia. For many years, he was also known as the creator of Gehry’s iconic “fish” forms. Alongside this work, he developed his own architectural practice, completing numerous projects, including the well-known Invisible House in Joshua Tree. As he says, he presents his art from time to time outside the gallery system, when he feels he has something important to express. As he emphasizes, his life so far has been a great adventure.
We kindly ask all interested guests to confirm their attendance (RSVP) by April 9, 2026
Mona May
Meeting with Mona May at Emerson College
On March 21, 2026, a special event took place in Hollywood at Emerson College, featuring renowned costume designer and author of “The Fashion of Clueless”-Mona May. The event was held under the patronage of the Konsulat Generalny RP w Los Angeles.
Mona May is one of the most influential costume designers of 1990s cinema-an artist who uniquely combined European sensibility with the bold energy of American pop culture. Born in India, raised in Poland and Germany, she built her career in the United States, where she became an icon of the film industry. Her most iconic work remains Clueless (1995), whose distinctive style sparked a global fashion trend. The film’s signature looks-rooted in preppy aesthetics and bold color combinations-continue to resurface in contemporary fashion and are frequently referenced by major fashion houses.
Mona May has collaborated with numerous Hollywood stars, creating memorable on-screen identities. Among them are Alicia Silverstone, Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler, and Lisa Kudrow. Her work has played a key role in shaping character identity through costume, often extending its influence far beyond the screen into popular culture. Today, Mona May is recognized as one of the most important figures in the history of youth cinema costume design of the 1990s. Her work is studied not only in the context of fashion, but also culture and feminism. By blending European elegance with American ease, she created a timeless and globally recognizable style.
The artist continues to actively develop her career, and attendees had the opportunity to hear about her latest projects, her experiences working in Hollywood, and behind-the-scenes stories from the creation of some of the most iconic film costumes.
The event attracted a large audience of club members and guests, including students of Emerson College. It was dynamically led by the club’s president and received with great enthusiasm. As emphasized by the president, the strong collaboration of the Club’s Board made it possible to organize an event that achieved such an outstanding reception among attendees.
Anna Maria and Maja Adamiak
On February 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM, a concert by two talented Polish artists-Anna Maria Adamiak and her daughter, Maja Adamiak-took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Zofia and Witold Czajkowski. The artists presented an exceptionally versatile program, ranging from operatic arias and musical theater pieces to artistic songs, all in their own original arrangements.
Once again, we had the pleasure of witnessing a truly remarkable artistic event. This special gathering was made possible thanks to the openness and warmth of Mr. and Mrs. Zofia and Witold Czajkowski, who graciously opened their home to members of our Club.
Anna Maria Adamiak is an opera, operetta, and musical singer, as well as an actress, educator, and music therapist. She is also a recipient of a scholarship from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. She continually expands her repertoire, moving effortlessly across various musical styles and genres. She is a laureate and finalist of numerous vocal and interpretative competitions and collaborates with orchestras, ensembles, instrumentalists, and actors-both in Poland and abroad. Maja Adamiak, a student at the Academy of Music, performs with great passion alongside her mother, demonstrating remarkable versatility in both Polish and international repertoire.
The artists presented a program spanning from the Baroque period to contemporary works. The repertoire included compositions by many renowned figures of the Polish and international music scene, including Irena Jarocka, Anna Jantar, Zdzisława Sośnicka, Irena Santor, as well as Barbra Streisand. We also enjoyed musical hits from “Cats,” “My Fair Lady,” and “West Side Story,” along with songs by Ordonka and Mieczysław Fogg, whose year has been officially commemorated in Poland as the Year of Mieczysław Fogg.
It was an evening filled with emotion and nostalgia. Club members, singing along with smiles on their faces, experienced moments of deep feeling, revisiting memories through the performed pieces. To the rhythm of the music, the host of the house danced brilliantly with Anna Maria, creating a joyful and memorable highlight to one of the performances.
EVENTS 2026
For 55 years, the Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club has remained actively engaged in numerous initiatives within the Polish community in Los Angeles, faithfully carrying out its mission of supporting culture, art, education, and strengthening community bonds.
Supporting other institutions and initiatives is not merely a responsibility for our Club—it is a gift we willingly share out of genuine care. Through our commitment to promoting and cultivating culture, art, and education, as well as helping others—especially younger generations, we help build the foundation for the future strength of our Polish community. It is the youth who will one day become its voice, its energy, and its hope.
120th Anniversaryof the Polish National Alliance-Lodge 700
This year marks a particularly significant milestone for Polish National Alliance-Lodge 700, which celebrated the 120th anniversary of its activity. On January 25, 2026, at the invitation of PNA President Zbigniew Grzelecki, a large group of our Club members proudly participated in the anniversary celebration. It was a meaningful opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the organization’s longstanding dedication and contributions, and to extend heartfelt congratulations with wishes for continued success and fruitful service to the Polish-American community.
Opening of new exhibition by artist Kasia Krzykawska Apolina
The Club was subsequently invited by our member Kasia Czerpak Węglińska, President of KrakArt Group, who helped inaugurate a new exhibition space on the upper floor of Vienna Woods Gallery. On February 7, 2026, the gallery hosted the opening of a new exhibition by artist Kasia Krzykawska Apolinarski, “Forest Within.” The strong presence of our Club members added distinction to the event and demonstrated our continued support for Polish art and cultural initiatives within our community.
Also on February 7, 2026, many of our members chose to support our Polish alma mater, Polska Szkoła w Los Angeles, by attending its Valentine’s Ball. Once again, we demonstrated how deeply we value solidarity and cooperation among Polish organizations. Above all, we recognize the School’s vital mission of teaching the Polish language, history, and geography to children and young people abroad, so that they may preserve their connection to their homeland, its culture, and its national heritage.
Polish Alma Mater, Valentine’s Ball
On February 7, 2026, many of our members chose to support our Polish Alma Mater, Polska Szkoła w Los Angeles, by attending its Valentine’s Ball. Once again, we demonstrated how deeply we value solidarity and cooperation among Polish organizations. Above all, we recognize the School’s vital mission of teaching the Polish language, history, and geography to children and young people abroad, so that they may preserve their connection to their homeland, its culture, and its national heritage.
American International Paderewski Piano Competition
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, a member of our Club, the distinguished pianist and professor at Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Wojciech Kocyan, invited the Polish community to an extraordinary musical event—the 2026 edition of the American International Paderewski Piano Competition.
The Winners’ Concert and Awards Ceremony took place in the elegant Murphy Recital Hall, creating an atmosphere of artistic celebration at the highest level. All those present were deeply moved by the technical mastery and interpretative depth displayed by the young musicians. Their performances were not only demonstrations of exceptional skill, but also expressions of profound musical maturity and passion. Once again, we had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary artistic feast—an experience that will remain in our hearts for a long time. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wojciech Kocyan for inviting us to share in such an inspiring and unforgettable musical celebration.