Modjeska Art & Culture Club: October 2025

Marek Kamiński & the Board of Modjeska Club: President – Katarzyna A. Śmiechowicz, Director – Anna Zalewska, Vice President – Krystyna Bartkowska, host of the event Monique Lehman, Marek Kaminski, Treasurer – Danuta Żuchowska, Secretary – Ewa Violet Kołakowska. 26 September 2025, Pasadena

Dear Friends,

It has been a month since the Members of the Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club in Los Angeles elected a new Board. As the newly appointed President of this distinguished organization, I am deeply honored and committed to working closely with my team. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, we aim to nurture and promote Polish culture, science, and art.

We are truly grateful for the trust you have placed in us. With open hearts, we pledge to uphold our shared values and traditions, strengthen our intergenerational community, and continue developing our organization.

Members of the Modjeska Club with Marek Kaminski and Laureate of the Golden Award 2024 Jerzy Antczak, with son Mikolaj.

With genuine emotion and pride, we recently announced the beginning of a new season of activities at the Helena Modjeska Cultural Club. We are inspired by fresh energy and enthusiasm flowing from our newly elected Board, which joyfully continues the rich traditions of our Club:

Board of the Helena Modjeska Art & Culture Club in Los Angeles for 2025-2027:

President – Katarzyna A. Śmiechowicz

Vice President – Krystyna Bartkowska

Treasurer – Danuta Żuchowska

Secretary – Ewa Violet Kołakowska

Board Members – Anna Zalewska, Anna Dąbrowska-Dudek, Krystyna Okuniewska

Krystyna Okuniewska i Monique Lehman

Our first meeting of the new term had a truly special, almost magical atmosphere. It took place in the gracious home of Monique and David Lehman in Pasadena, where we had the honor of hosting an extraordinary guest – traveler, explorer, philosopher, and visionary Marek Kamiński.

This remarkable adventurer, the first person in history to reach both Earth’s poles in a single year, shared with us not only stories from his extreme expeditions but also profound reflections on the essence of travel. For him, true exploration is not merely about reaching a geographical destination – it is a journey of self-discovery, spirituality, mindfulness, and the art of living “here and now.”

Marek Kaminski in conversation with Katarzyna Smiechowicz

Marek Kamiński’s stories deeply moved everyone present. We listened to his tales of Greenland, the Gibson Desert, and his extraordinary trek from Kaliningrad to Santiago de Compostela – his “Third Pole.” He also spoke about his expedition with Jaś Mela, a young boy for whom the polar journey became a triumph over his own limitations. His words resonated with messages of courage, humility, and responsibility for the world we share.

Jerzy Antczak participates in the discussion. With Katarzyna Smiechowicz, and Zbigniew Nyczak

The event was graced by the presence of the renowned film director Jerzy Antczak, his son Mikołaj, and many distinguished members and guests. The atmosphere was filled with joy, inspiration, and gratitude.

The new Board expressed heartfelt thanks to the previous leadership of the Club, headed by Maja Trochimczyk, for their dedication and contributions that guided our mission for years.

Maja Trochimczyk and Monique Lehman

Thanks to the efforts of many generations, our Club remains a unique place – a proud symbol of the Polish community in California and a vibrant space for culture, art, and learning.

Our mission continues to be the preservation of the timeless legacy of Helena Modjeska, the great artist who united people beyond borders through her talent and spirit. We wish for our Club to remain a place of intergenerational dialogue, open to diversity and new challenges.

We are delighted to announce that the Helena Modjeska Festival will take place on December 6–7, 2025 – more details will follow soon.

With heartfelt gratitude, we thank all who honored our inaugural gathering with their presence and brought to it the true spirit of the Helena Modjeska Cultural Club community.

Warm regards,

Katarzyna A. Śmiechowicz

and the Board of the Helena Modjeska Cultural Club, Los Angeles