Larisa Ivankina Clevenger recieved her training in art in her native Russia. Graduating from high school at 14, she continued her studies in Leningrad (now St.Petersburg) concentrating on restoration of religious works in all mediums. While finishing her study of inconography at the Academy of Arts in Leningrad she earned her master’s degree in fine arts from Cuban University. She moved permanently to New Orleans in 1994. Temporarily displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she briefly made her home in Birmingham, Al where she worked at the Birmingham Museum of Fine Arts. She soon returned to New Olreans and opened the Art in Bloom Gallery at 830 Chartres St. in the heart of the French Quarter where she displays oils, acrylics and watercolors. Her icons have been commissioned by churches throughout the city.