Dr. Daria Penionzhkevich Dega
Ph.D., MAA, MD
US Citizen
PROFILE
Accomplished art gallery CEO and director, award-winning artist, curator, educator, community leader, and healthcare professional with extensive experience in art, management, and medicine with unique combination of expertise.
EXPERIENCE
Degallery Corp., Bryan, TX
Education Director | CEO | Curator
Lead operations of award-winning international art gallery and studio, driving strategic art and education programs. Curate exhibitions, manage events, and provide art consultation to clients. Direct marketing and promotional campaigns to boost visibility and engagement. Instruct diverse art classes and workshops for PreK to adult students, tailoring programs for all skill levels. Cultivate creative environment fostering artistic growth and community engagement.
- Increased enrollment and community involvement by developing innovative art education programs.
- Boosted gallery recognition and awards through curation of high-caliber art exhibitions.
- Enhanced artistic talent and engagement by delivering workshops for diverse age groups and skill levels.
- Expanded reach and event attendance with effective marketing strategies.
DEGA International Art Association Inc., Bryan, TX
Executive Director | CEO | President
Direct operations of 501(c)(3) nonprofit art organization, advancing arts education, philanthropy, and community engagement. Lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate relationships with sponsors, donors, and grant providers. Oversee exhibitions, competitions, educational programs, and international art events. Secure municipal and regional grants while managing stakeholder relations. Administer scholarship programs supporting students and emerging artists.
- Secured sustained financial support by developing strong sponsor and donor relationships.
- Curated exhibitions and competitions, increasing visibility for local and international artists.
Moscow Region Administration – Municipal Councilor
Represented community interests by proposing and voting on policies, bylaws, and budgets to address local needs and priorities. Engaged with constituents to gather feedback, addressed concerns, and promoted community development initiatives.
Public Health Department of Odintsovo District, Moscow Region Administration – Department Head
Directed financial planning, budgeting, and execution of government programs funded by federal and regional budgets. Managed development and construction of healthcare facilities to expand and modernize district services.
- Directed public health initiatives for a district serving 370K residents as the highest-ranking official.
- Managed strategic operations and leadership of 5K senior-level staff across multiple healthcare facilities.
Maimonides State Classical Academy, Moscow, Russia – Associate Professor of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Conducted advanced research and published scholarly articles in neurology and neurosurgery to contribute to academic and clinical advancements. Developed and delivered comprehensive lectures, supervised clinical training, and mentored students and residents in the neurology and neurosurgery programs.
National Research Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and Health Resorts Treatment, Moscow, Russia – Senior Research Scientist in Neuroscience
Led advanced neuroscience research projects focused on neurorehabilitation, contributing to significant academic and clinical findings. Published in peer-reviewed journals and collaborated across departments to apply research in clinical practice.
Research Scientist in Neuroscience
Conducted clinical and academic neuroscience research focused on neurological disorders and rehabilitation outcomes.
Supported cross-functional studies and contributed to development of rehabilitation protocols.
Medical Doctor | Neurologist | Rehabilitation Specialist
Provided comprehensive medical care to patients with neurological and physical rehabilitation needs. Participated in clinical research projects and multidisciplinary patient care. Delivered diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation services within a national-level research and treatment center.
• Contributed to advancements in rehabilitation protocols through applied research and clinical practice.
• Supported patient recovery through individualized treatment plans and coordinated care.
EDUCATION
- Master of Arts in Art, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
- Doctor of Philosophy of Medical Sciences, Russian Scientific Center for Rehabilitation and Resort Medicine
- Clinical Residency, Specialty – Neurology, Russian Scientific Center for Rehabilitation and Resort Medicine
- Medical Doctor, Medical Care, Moscow Institute for Medical and Social Rehabilitation
- Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences (Rehabilitation Medicine), I.M.Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy
- Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration and Public Health, I.M.Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy
- Graduate Certificate of Professional training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Medical Research Center of Rehabilitation and Balneology
- Graduate Certificate in Museum Study, Harvard University, Extension School, Cambridge, MA
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Award-winning Artist & Art Instructor, DEGALLERY Corp., Bryan, TX (2016 – Present)
- Teach a wide range of visual arts courses including Intro to Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Design, and 2D Foundations.
- Lead professional workshops and instructional programs for all age groups and skill levels (40 hours/week).
Art Consultant & Art Business Coach (2017 – Present)
- Deliver workshops, demonstrations, and presentations focused on art techniques, exhibition planning, and creative entrepreneurship.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Maimonides State Classical Academy, Moscow, Russia (2013 – 2016)
ELECTED OFFICE & SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
- Elected to public office as a representative to County Council of Odintsovo region, Russia, 2009 – 2014
- Member of coordination Council for Moscow Oblast’ (region) Duma (parliament of Moscow region), 2012 – 2013
- Member of Junior Federal Parliament of Moscow Oblast’ Duma (parliament of Moscow region)
- Elected Chair of Healthcare Committee, 2010 – 2013
- President of Texas A&M University Women’s Club, 2019 – 2020
- Board member of Texas A&M University Women’s Club, 2017 – 2023
- Board Director Patron of the Art Brazos Christian School, 2021 – Present
- Member of Chamber of Commerce BCS Texas, 2016 – Present
- Member of American Businesswomen’s Association, 2017 – Present
- Member of Portrait Society of America, 2021 – Present
- Member of Visual Art Society BCS, 2020 – Present
- Board member (Show Chair) of Visual Art Society BCS, 2023 – Present
- Member of Professional Artists of Central Texas, 2023 – Present
- Board Director Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, 2025 – Present
- Community Follow Texas A&M University, Institute for Applied Creativity, 2025 – Present
AWARDS
2021 First Place winner in Oil Painting Category, International Winter Art Show and Competition, “Winter Road”, 20”x16”, oil on linen, Texas USA
2022 First Place winner in Oil/Acrylic Painting Category. ”My First Texas Gifts”, 20”x16”, oil on linen. Spring Art Show of Visual Artists Society of BCS Texas, Texas USA
2022 First Place winner in Ceramic Category, “Cold Stone”, ceramic set. Winter International Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2022 Best Art Gallery. DEGALLERY People Choice Award by the people of Brazos Valley
2022 Honorable Mention. DEGALLERY Summer Camp for Kids, People Choice Award by the people of the Brazos Valley.
2022 Honorable Mention. DEGALLERY Exhibit, People Choice Award by the people of the Brazos Valley
2022 Honorable Mention. DEGALLERY Art Studio, People Choice Award by the people of the Brazos Valley
2023 Best of the Show. “Lotuses Valley”, 30”x40”, Oil/Acrylic on canvas. A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniv Celebration Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2023 First Place in Oil/Acrylic paint category. Division of Professional Artists. “Lotuses Valley”, 30”x40”, Oil/Acrylic on canvas. A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniv Celebration Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2023 Division of Professional Artists Winer. “Lotuses Valley”, 30”x40”, Oil/Acrylic on canvas. A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniv Celebration Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2023 First Place in Mixed Media Category. “The Beginning”, 40”x60”, Oil/Glass/Resin on Canvas. A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniv Celebration Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2023 First Place in Studio Craft Category “Spiral Galaxy”, Ceramic Set. A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniv Celebration Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2023 Second Place in Studio Craft Category “Water Lilies”, Ceramic Set. A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniv Celebration Art Show and Competition, Texas USA
2023 Best Art Studio. DEGALLERY. People Choice Award by the people of Brazos Valley
2023 Best Summer Camp for Kids. DEGALLERY. People Choice Award by the people of Brazos Valley
2023 3 place “The Story of Crayons” in Graduate National Juried Exhibition The University of Mississippi Museum, Oxford, Mississippi USA
2023 1 Place “Love and Care”, Soft pastel, 24”x36”. “Mental Health Art Contest”, Texas, USA
2024 1 Place in Mixed Media Category “The Bloom,” Oil/Acrylic on Canvas, 48″x60″. “Art and Bloom Art Show by VAS”, Bryan, Texas, USA
2024 Best with using texture “The Bloom,” Oil/Acrylic on Canvas, 48″x60″. “Art and Bloom Art Show by VAS”, Bryan, Texas, USA
2024 1 Place in Sculpture Category “Cactuses in Bloom,” Ceramic Sculpture, 13″x14″x7″, “Art and Bloom Art Show by VAS,” Bryan, Texas, USA
2024 3 Place in Fine Craft Category “The Rose,” Ceramic, 14’x15″x7″, “Art and Bloom Art Show by VAS,” Bryan, Texas, USA
2025 1st Place, Mixed Media Category, “The Country Sky is Bright and Beautiful “(mixed media, 48”x60”), All Things Bright & Beautiful Art Show and Competition, Bryan, TX
2025 1st place, Sculpture Category “Purple Flowers Kiss” (ceramic 14”x17”x7”), All Things Bright & Beautiful Art Show and Competition, Bryan, TX
2025 2nd place, Sculpture Category “Baby of Green” (ceramic 17”x16”x6”), All Things Bright & Beautiful Art Show and Competition, Bryan, TX
2025 3rd place, Sculpture Category “Bright Holes” (ceramic 15”x15”x8”), All Things Bright & Beautiful Art Show and Competition, Bryan, TX
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2021 “Winter International Art Show and Competition 2021”, November 2021, Texas USA
2022 “Spring Art Show” of Visual Artists Society of BCS Texas, April-May 2022, Texas USA
2022 “Hullabaloo” by VAS Annuals Members Only Art Show, September 2022, Texas USA
2022 “Winter International Art Show and Competition”, December 2022, Texas USA
2023 “Fresh Paint” by Bryan Contemporary Artists, January 2023, Texas USA
2023 “Art We Love” by VAS of BCS Texas and Brazos Valley Art Council, January – February 2023, Texas USA
2023 “A Golden Gala: the Visual Art Society’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Art Show and Competition, March-April 2023, Texas USA
2023 “National GS Juried Exhibition,” September 2023, The University of Mississippi Museum, Oxford, Mississippi USA
2023 “Aqua Vita” by members of VAS BCS, August-September 2023, Bryan, Texas USA
2024 “Resolution – New Beginnings”. January – February. Arts Council of Brazos Valley, College Station, TX USA
2024 “Fresh Paint”. Group show by Bryan Contemporary Artists. Bryan, TX USA
2024 “Round Rock ARTS”, Group Show by Professional Artists of Central Texas, February-April, Texas State University, Round Rock, Texas USA
2024 “International Spring Art Show”, February-July, Degallery, Bryan, TX USA
2025 “Art Feeds the Soul” by Visual Art Society BCS at The Arts Center of Brazos Valley, January 7-March 6, College Station, TX
2025 “Beyond Blue” by Professional Artists of Central Texas at Art Center Waco, January 16 – February 22, Waco, TX
2025 “Fresh Paint” by Bryan Contemporary Artists, Degallery, March 7 – 28, Bryan, TX
2025 “Professional Artists Of Central Texas Group Show”, Grace Gallery, March 13 – May 29, Belton, TX
2025 “All Things Bright & Beautiful Art Show and Competition”, Degallery, April 18 – May 16, Bryan, TX
SOLO and DUET SHOWS
2023 “The Story of Women’s Self Portrait Through the Centuries and Styles,” July 2023, Northwestern State University Louisiana Gallery, Louisiana USA
2023 “The Story of Women’s Self Portrait Through the Centuries and Styles,” December 2023, Bryan, Texas USA
2024 “Color on Canvas and Clay I”, January-April, Cultural Activities Center, Temple, TX USA
2024 “Color on Canvas and Clay II”, February 2024, Degallery, Bryan, Texas USA
CURRENT GALLERY REPRESENTATION
From 2016 DEGALLERY Corp., Bryan, Texas, USA
INFORMATION FROM MASS MEDIA
- “Degallery: A Creative Space Unlike Any Other” – INSITE Brazos Valley Magazine, Jul 31, 2018.
- “DEGALLERY” – Maroon Weekly, Sep 18, 2018.
- “Local gallery boasts interesting origins” – The Battalion, Nov 30, 2018.
- BCS art gallery and studio moves to new location – KBTX,com, Nov 6, 2020.
- DEGALLERY opens new location in Bryan- Part 1 – KBTX.com, Nov 6, 2020.
- DEGALLERY opens new location in Bryan- Part 2 – KBTX.com, Nov 6, 2020.
- DEGALLERY opens new location in Bryan- Part 3 – KBTX.com, Nov 6, 2020.
- DEGALLERY opens new location in Bryan- Part 4 – KBTX.com, Nov. 6, 2020.
- Local art gallery and studio starts new monthly tradition – KBTX.com, Nov. 7, 2020.
- Bryan’s DEGALLERY hosting art classes for kids over the Thanksgiving holiday – MSN.com, Nov. 23, 2021.
11.”Dary Dega: Sharing her art, praying for peace” – The Eagle, Jun 26, 2022.
- “The Heart of Art: Dr. Dary Dega – Owner of Degallery in Bryan, TX” – KAMU TV/FM (Texas A&M University), Jun 29, 2022.
- “Bringing the Joy of Creativity” – INSITE Brazos Valley Magazine, Oct 31, 2022.
- “The Importance of Art in the Brazos Valley” – The Battalion, Apr 26, 2022.
- ‘We grow around art and culture’: City of Bryan invests in local art scene – KBTX.com, Dec.19, 2023.
- Art in the Brazos Valley – KVVX, Jan 8, 2023.
- DEGALLERY holds its first, First Saturday of the year – KBTX.com, Jan.7, 2024.
- Meet Dary Dega – CanvasRebel.com, Feb. 15, 2024.
- Degallery takes over BCS with annual art event – KBTX.com, Apr.2, 2024.
- Meet Dary Dega – CanvasRebel.com, Oct. 31, 2024.
- DEGALLERY kicks off November with First Saturday Art Fair – KBTX.com, Nov.3, 2024.
- Bryan’s First Saturday Art Fair brings art, music, and community together – KBTX.com, March 1, 2025.
- Calling all artists to a weeklong art fair from Degallery – KBTX.com, Apr.4, 2025.
- Meet Daria (Dary) Dega – CEO/Owner/Director – Shoutout HTX, July 31, 2025.
- Stand behind the lens at this one-of-a kind learning opportunity – KBTX.COM, Aug.15, 2025.
- “Art is our future”: First Saturday showcase spotlights local artists – The Battalion, Sept.10, 2025.
CONTACTS
Work cellphone: +19797043090
e-mails: dary@degallery.us , contact@degallery.us
websites: www,degallery.us, www.artdega.org
Degallery address: 930 North Rosemary Dr., Bryan Texas 77802 USA
