Joni Zavitsanos

My work is largely shaped by Byzantine Iconography, the earliest form of Christian art. Under its influence, color schemes, figures, architectural edifices, historical events, and visual perspective all play an important role in each collaged piece I create. At the same time, influence of my father, renown Byzantine Iconographer Diamantis Cassis, is also visible in all the work I've created throughout my life. Drawing from these two streams of artistic and spiritual exposure, I strive to convey to the viewer a sense of the ancient past made present in today's world. In this way, the iconographic images crafted centuries ago mesh with contemporary events and people, giving Byzantine art a feeling of relevance and continuity in our current lives. On a personal level, the work allows me a connection with my father and my Faith, bridging my life on earth with what mysteriously lies on the other side.

2023 Interview with Pennsylvania TV Station about Waynesburg art exhibition April 17, 2023

2022 Interview by CANVASREBEL website "Meet Joni Zavitsanos" September 15, 2022. Discussion on art and life

2021 Question and Answer session at John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science regarding LIVING ICONS tribute November 19, 2021

2021 Craig Cohen interview about LIVING ICONS tribute on local NPR Houston Matters Show October 14, 2021

2021 Reuters national story on Zavitsanos Covid-19 memorial project June 15, 2021

2020 website ShoutoutHTX featured the COVID project and works in "Meet Joni Zavitsanos: Artist" (December)

2020 Molly Glentzer of the Houston Chronicle wrote "Houston artist launches COVID-19 memorial project" (July)

2020 KPRC-TV aired story "Local artist remembers faces of COVID-19 through new project" (August)

2020 ABC-TV national story "Localish" featured "Artist wants you to see the faces of COVID-19 victims" (August)

2020 The National Herald newspaper writer Connie Mihalos wrote "COVID legacy: Names and Faces, Numbers, Icons and Halos" (August)

2020 Fox26 News story "Mourning America: Website honors lives lost to COVID-19" features the project at the end of the story (August)

2020 January 20 - February 6 exhibition at MATCH Gallery Houston write up featured in both Houstonia and Swoon Magazines; calendared event featured in Houston Chronicle and Glasstire

2019 Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Award of excellence in modern Byzantine art and artist lecture entitled Byzantine Art in the Modern World, Hilton Hotel NYC

2019 Fordham University's Museum of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Art, NYC solo exhibition and lecture series, "Distant Relatives: Ancient imagery of the Classical Pagan Past and the Modern Byzantine icons of Joni Zavitsanos"

2018 European Art Magazine Nea Skepsi, cover art, article with personal interview, and several pieces featured in the March issue

2012 Cover Art for book Honor & Gloria: Poetry of the Navigatio Sancti Brendani Abbatis, ascribed to St. Columba of Iona, edited by Sharon Pelphrey

2010 Publication: Lefkoma, Artwork of Lefkada, Greece

2010 Artwork part of permanent collection of Cultural Arts Center, Lefkada, Greece

2008 Publication: European Printmakers, Athens, Greece

1995 Michael Hobs, USA Ambassador, Ghana, Africa Collection for Embassy: 2 multi-media works

1992 Art League of Houston, Juried Exhibition, William Graham, Graham Gallery, Houston, TX awarded 2nd place for Mixed Media work

1986-1988 Cover art for monthly publication of magazine Estia

2026 Village Saints solo exhibition will open in Lefkada, Greece at the Cultural Arts Center's Stamos Gallery in the summer

2026 Village Saints solo exhibition will open in NYC at Fordham University's Museum of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan Art in the Spring Semester

2023 LIVING ICONS openings at Quentin Mease Health Center in Houston:  June 4, 2023 Ribbon Cutting ceremony, and October 30, 2023 dedication for families

2013 My Father's Daughter: Byzantine Art in the Modern World, Exhibition ond lectures at Waynesburg University's Department of Fine Arts.  Opening March 21 - Fall Semester 2023

2021 LIVING ICONS: A Commemoration of the Victims of Houston's Covid-19 Pandemic, private family memorial October 15 & public opening October 16 through Spring 2022 at John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, Museum District, Houston, TX

2021 Orthodox Arts Festival September Exhibition, Heavenly Path Gallery, Glastonbury, UK

2020 Match Gallery, Houston, solo exhibition, "My Father's Daughter: Byzantine Art in the Modern World"

2019 Fordham University's Museum of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Art in NYC, solo exhibition "Distant Relatives: Ancient Imagery of the Classical Pagan Past and the Modern Byzantine Icons of Joni Zavitsanos"

2015 & 2016 Assistance League Celebrates Texas Art, juried

2009, 2010, 2011 Hellenic Cultural Center Greek-American Art exhibitions

2008 Cultural Center of Vonitsa, Greece

2007 Cultural Arts Center of Lefkada, Greece

2003 AZA law firm

1996 C.G Jung Educational Center solo show

1995 Women's Caucus for the Arts/Cultural Arts Council of Houston

1994 St. Edward's University

1994, Wierzbowski Gallery (2 showings)

1991 & 1993 Art League of Houston

1990 & 1993 LaStrada Restaurant, Houston

1992 Art Con Corazon Gallery

1991 & 1992 Jan Yates Gallery solo shows

1991 Cultural Arts Center, Lefkada, Greece, solo show

1991 Icons Gallery of Art solo show

1989, 1990 & 1991 Lawndale Art & Performance Center

1990 Blaffer Gallery, University of Houston campus

1990 Lowman Gallery, Sam Houston State University

1989 & 1990 Butera's Cafe

1990 Club Proteus

1989 River Cafe; 1989 Butera's Cafe

1987 Munchies Cafe, Ouisie's Table, & Bon Appetito Restaurant