Artist Biography
Let's make a journey through her career life...
Art has been part of her life since childhood, beginning on the streets of Haskovo, Bulgaria, where she joined her first drawing competition at age seven, sketching peace doves on the asphalt. That early spark never faded. From stage design in theatre to international festivals and founding her own Art Café in Greece, her journey has been a tapestry of passion, resilience, and reinvention.
1979
First Art Competition
Nina began her artistic journey at age 7 with a street drawing competition in Haskovo, Bulgaria, themed “We Fight for Peace.”
Early 1980s
Second Art Competition
She participated in another children’s competition titled “The Happy Childhood, from which Tomorrow will Rise.”
Early 1990s
Language School Graduation
Nina graduated from the Language School in Haskovo, majoring in German and English.
1995
Stage Designer at Puppet Theater
She began working as a Stage Designer for the first private puppet theatre in Bulgaria, “Danny & Dessi,” in Haskovo.
1998–1999
TV and Festival Shows
Worked as Illustrator and Assistant Stage Designer for “A Short Quack Story” and “Miracles Happen,” presented on BNT and at international festivals.
1997
Moved to Samos, Greece
Nina relocated to the island of Samos, Greece, a move that significantly inspired her future creative work.
2002
Opened Art Café in Kokkari
She opened “Art Café” (Beach Music Bar), a fully self-designed venue on the central beach of Kokkari.
2008
Art Café Expanded to Gallery
Nina transformed her café into “Art Café - Internet Café - Art Gallery” and held her personal exhibition, “If you have a talent for life…Be There…”
2008–2009
First Exhibition in the Netherlands
Held an exhibition at Gallery “Meneer de Vries” in Harderwijk with the theme “Life is love and love is magic…”
2009
Second Exhibition in Art Café
Returned to her own gallery in Greece with the theme “If your goal is the sky, reach for the stars…”
2009
Designed Symbol for SWAN Day
Invited as a special guest for SWAN Day (Support Women Artists Now) and created the event's new symbol.
2013
Returned to Bulgaria
Moved back and participated in “Wake Up Your Walls,” a series of exhibitions in Sofia, organized by Art Rentals BG.
2014
Moved to Melbourne, Australia
Relocated to Australia, where she engaged in exhibitions, including the Luxembourg Art Prize, and began hosting creative workshops.
In 1997, Nina moved to the island of Samos, Greece, where the Mediterranean light became a deep source of inspiration. By 2002, she founded her own business:
“Art Café – Beach Music Bar”, located right on the beach in Kokkari.
Everything — from interior design to artistic details — was crafted by Nina’s hands. In 2008, she expanded it into:
“Art Café – Internet Café – Art Gallery”, launching her first personal exhibition:
“If you have a talent for life… Be There…”
While in Greece, Nina also worked extensively on:
Interior & logo design
Illustration
Glass panel decorations
Advertising for hotels, spas, cafés, including notable clients like:
Hotel Kalidon
Kalidon Palace
Massage & Aesthetic Centre
2008–2009: Exhibition in Gallery Meneer de Vries, Harderwijk, Netherlands
Theme: “Life is love and love is magic…”2009: Second exhibition at Art Café in Samos
Theme: “If your goal is the sky, reach for the stars…”2009: Invited as a special guest for SWAN Day (Support Women Artists Now)
Nina created the symbol for the event, celebrated globally during Women’s History Month.
In 2013, Nina returned to Bulgaria and joined the “Wake Up Your Walls” art initiative, exhibiting in Sopharma Business Towers in Sofia with Art Rentals BG.
In 2014, Nina relocated to Melbourne, Australia — a vibrant hub for both traditional and contemporary art. Surrounded by diverse artistic expression, she continued to evolve her work while:
Participating in exhibitions and events celebrating women in art
Competing in international shows such as the Luxembourg Art Prize
Hosting workshops to teach both adults and children how to unleash their creativity — especially in glass art, her signature medium
