Thursday, April 17, 2025
Lifelong Franklin Square resident Donna Nowakoski is being recognized for her diamond artwork at the Franklin Square Public Library. Her mother, Theresa Nowakoski, said the 16 pieces on display in the library’s meeting room took about seven years for Donna to complete.
Within two days of her work going on display, 10 of her paintings were sold to visitors for up to $50 each.
Donna, 40, is a patron of the library who regularly attends art programs hosted by Melinda Space, the library’s adult program coordinator. As a disabled adult, Donna often engages in adult programming that guides art projects.
“I like drawing because it keeps me calm,” Donna said. “It makes me feel good, too.”
She recalled drawing and creating art with her late grandmother, whom she was close with and said she misses a lot. Her grandmother encouraged her creativity, she continued, and she draws pictures of the two of them together sometimes.
Donna explained that Space approached her after one of their crafting classes in late February and asked her if she’d be willing to share her diamond art in the library. She remembered being excited about it because it is the first time she’s hosted a solo exhibit.
While Donna already had a few art pieces ready to go, she created a few more specifically for the exhibit. However, because it is a tedious art form, it can be quite time consuming.
Diamond art, Theresa explained, is a type of painting that utilizes a labeled template in which users individually place thousands of diamond studs on a canvas to create pictures of various sizes. It is similar to paint-by-number kits, she said.
According to Theresa, Donna will sit patiently for hours placing the diamond studs on the canvas, one by one, using a small applicator pen.
“She’s just so focused,” Theresa said. “I can’t even get through an entire bag!”
The first diamond art kit Donna received, Theresa said, was a Christmas gift from one of her aides. Once Donna started, Theresa said, she ended up loving it. Now, Theresa said she often finds diamond art kits for her on Amazon or in local craft shops.
“I think it gives her confidence,” Theresa said, “especially now that the library recognized her. It’s exciting for both of us.”
Donna won second place in at the 2018 Arc New York Fall Board of Governors meeting in Albany, as well, receiving $200 for her diamond art painting of a heart tree.
AHRC Nassau, an adult program Donna attends, has sold her artwork, as well. Donna said her program hosts art galleries in the park sometimes, and they currently have a movie exhibit at the East Meadow Art Gallery. She said she did a painting from one her favorite movies, “The Sound of Music.”
Donna said she’d like to host an exhibit again, although Theresa pointed out it could take a very long time for her to create another full portfolio of work to fill an entire exhibit. Depending on the painting size, Theresa explained, it can take Donna weeks or even months to complete a full piece.
Nonetheless, Donna said she is proud of herself and hopes to continue making diamond art.
