Dallas, TX, March 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- An accomplished actor, musician, martial artist, and philanthropist - there are the many facets to Steven Seagal. For over 25 years, Steven has brought an unparalleled passion for the arts that few can match. His deep spiritual roots are an integral part of his movies, his music, his martial arts expertise and his genuine love and care for others. From humble beginnings in Detroit, Michigan to finding his cultural center in Japan, to an acting career launched in 1988, to a flourishing music career and his involvement with Save A Million Lives, an AIDS project in Africa, Steven has a multi-faceted career surrounding the arts.

Steven now shares his passion for Russian Art with a new collection unveiling in Dallas, Texas with his new Luxor Style Galleries. “We couldn’t more pleased than to have a passionate and talented artist like Steven as a business partner on a project of this caliber,” stated Kathy Metcalf, Gallery Director for the Dragon Street based gallery. “His passion for Russian Art and his passion for human beings makes him the perfect partner for this very exclusive project,” she continued. “Now collectors will be able to find exclusive Russian paintings right here in Dallas, and people from around the world will be traveling here to see these prized pieces.” From Art in London Magazine: "Young Russian artists are in strong demand, although serious collectors are choosy and have little taste for chocolate box paintings which are shipped in bulk.....favoured is for work produced by Academy trained painters from St. Petersburg,.... such as those offered by Dallas based Luxor Style Galleries......
Winter 2009

The gallery hosts its Grand Opening on Friday, March 13th, 2009 beginning at five in the evening at it’s new location at 1430 Dragon Street, Dallas, Texas, anchoring The Trinity Lofts, a Jim Lake development. The gallery is multi-leveled and features different collections on different floors. The evening’s festivities include champagne and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a personal appearance by one of the world’s most talented icon and fresco painters, Victor Kazanin.

“When I do a painting, I feel as if God is in me” Victor Kazanin is a Russian born iconographer and fine artist of exceptional skills. Since his early childhood years, he has been drawn to the images of ancient Christian art which he saw in the museums and churches. “I found refugee in the church,” stated Victor Kazanin. “God helped me escape all the circumstances. There were opportunities and I saw my future with them. Today, things are much different in Mother Russia. After years of suppression and down times provided by forces of the communism, the religion is enjoying a resurgence.”

Victor Kazanin’s formal training includes the following: The School of Applied Arts of Moscow University, the Studios of the Moscow Iconographers (1982-1991 ), as well as private coaching from Adolph Ovchinikov (world-famous iconographer and leading restorer of the icon treasures in the Russian Stat Museum).In the studio of Moscow Iconographers, he started studying Byzantine style, and spent over 7 years sharpening his skills.

Victor came to Washington, D.C. in 1992 as a part of the team of iconographers to work at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral. Victor always seeks to create a beauty in the world of the icons. His icons are painted in the highly artistic way, yet with the traditional Byzantine style. Archbishop Theodosuis awarded Victor the grammota in 1995. In Washington, D.C. he also worked with Fr. Feodor Koufus on the iconography of St. John Baptist Orthodox Cathedral.

Kazanin is always able to find harmony between exciting surroundings and his work. He has been creating icons and frescos for many years. He is masterful in his art and technique, and seeks perfection at every stage. “ I paint from my heart,” he said to a Los Angeles Time reporter. His art is intended to encourage prayer and meditation, and to provide a “ window to eternity. There is an uplifting spirit. It is the meeting place between heaven and earth.” Before painting an icon, Victor prepares himself. He reads a tremendous amount of the history and theology, listens to classical music, prays and fasts, and avoids any world excitements during his work process. Victor Kazanin works 3-4 times faster than any other iconographer. “ It is difficult to explain the energy it where it comes from but I don’t seem to have direct control. It feels to me like a gift,” he said. Also featured is the timeless Natalia Vertrova, who will make a one evening appearance.

The evening is highlighted as a charity event benefitting Dallas’ DIFFA. Valet Provided.