Olga Semenova, known professionally as Olga Sem, is an internationally celebrated artist, mask maker, and cultural impresario whose remarkable journey spans continents and creative disciplines.
Early Life & Education
Born in 1953 in Saint Petersburg, Russia (then Leningrad), Olga trained at the renowned Serov Art School and the Baron Stiglitz Academy of Arts—foundations that shaped her mastery in oil painting, watercolor, and graphic arts bidtoart.com+9konstgallerivattern.se+9theelitepalate.com+9forbes.com. Later in life, she immigrated to Canada in 2012, undergoing a profound personal and professional transformation forbes.com.
Professional Career
Visual Arts: A respected painter and graphic artist, Olga’s work has featured across Scandinavia and Europe—including solo exhibitions in Paris, Stockholm, Oslo, and Milan—and is held in private collections worldwide .
Mask & Stage Arts: Reinventing her creative path in mid‑life, she founded Masks International Show and created the immersive Vizard performance in Canada. This signature spectacle blends theatrical masks, dance, circus artistry, and laser visuals to celebrate multicultural narratives. She co-authored Vizard: The Beginning and is developing both a feature film and merchandise line tied to the show forbes.com+1ca.linkedin.com+1.
Honors & Awards
Awarded Artist of the Year in 1991, Olga was recognized early for her outstanding contributions to the arts.
A White Hat Recipient for her ethical leadership and community uplift—ensuring her creative ventures also prioritize social impact.
Nominated for the Woman of Inspiration award, reflecting her role as a mentor and visionary in the artistic community.
Shortlisted in 2018 for the Immigrants of Distinction Awards in the Arts & Culture category in Calgary, honoring her profound influence on Canadian creativity linkedin.com+3bidtoart.com+3ca.linkedin.com+3newcanadians.tv.
Vision & Impact
Her work is deeply rooted in societal enrichment—she often says, “Art is the soul of any society. When art dies… it will collapse.” forbes.com With Vizard, she champions cultural diversity while offering emerging artists a global platform. Olga’s collaborations with charities like Make‑a‑Wish and the Helping Families Handle Cancer Foundation emphasize her belief in art’s power to heal and inspire forbes.com.
Today & Beyond
Respected for seamlessly merging artistic vision with entrepreneurial drive, Olga continues to tour Vizard internationally, expand her storytelling mediums, and empower youth through creative mentorship. Her accolades—from classical painting to pioneering performance—underscore a life led by resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art.
