Dr. Daria Dega is an accomplished gallery director, award-winning artist, curator, educator, community leader, and healthcare professional with 20 years of experience in Art, management, and medicine. She has made significant contributions to the international art community as the Owner, Director, and Curator of Degallery (2016 – present), an award-winning global art gallery and studio in Bryan, Texas. Under her leadership, Degallery has become a renowned hub for art education, exhibitions, and creative workshops for all ages and skill levels. Daria has excellent knowledge of collections databases, fundraising programs, and federal and local government grants. Daria’s commitment to art education is evident in her role as the Founder and President of the nonprofit 501 (c) 3 DEGA International Art Association Inc. (2019—present). She has established several notable annual art events for kids and professional artists around the globe. These programs foster global artistic exchange, showcase diverse talents, and promote art education among all age groups.
Daria’s academic background is robust and multidisciplinary. Daria holds a Medical Doctor Degree from the Moscow Institute for Medical and Social Rehabilitation in 1999 and a Doctor of Philosophy of Medical Sciences from the Russian Scientific Center for Rehabilitation and Resort Medicine in 2003, where she also served as a Senior Research Scientist, Group Leader for rehabilitation research, and Associate Professor. Before she transitioned into the arts, Daria had a distinguished career in the medical field. She was the Head of the Department of Public Health in the Odintsovo district of Moscow (2011-2013). Daria held various leadership positions at the National Research Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and Health Resorts in Moscow, where she specialized in rehabilitation medicine and healthcare management.
During the transition to Art, she earned her Master of Art in Arts degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 2023. Her graduate school research focused on an Art History project that included European and American Art during Centuries XVII – XXI, as well as studio projects with painting, drawing, and ceramics. Her educational Solo Exhibition was marked with the highest grade, showcasing her scholarly and artistic prowess. Daria’s artwork has been widely recognized and exhibited across numerous group and solo exhibitions in the United States. Her work has garnered many awards, including first place in various categories such as Oil Painting, Mixed Media, and Sculpture at prestigious art competitions. Daria’s contributions to the art world extend beyond her own creative practice, as she has also won accolades for her role in promoting art education and community involvement through Degallery’s programs and events. In addition to her professional roles, Daria is deeply involved in various community and cultural organizations. She has served as President of the Texas A&M University Women’s Club, a board member for several art societies, and a member of multiple professional and community organizations, including the BCS Visual Art Society, the Portrait Society of America, Professional Artists of Central Texas, Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Women’s Association.
In 2024, Daria decided to continue her education improvement and started a new program in Museum Study at Harvard University, Extension School. Her primary motivation for joining the current program is to develop the essential management skills required to successfully operate a gallery and museum in the USA. This training will empower her to excel in a competitive environment.