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
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.