Life of an Artist

1953: Born in Ardashat (south of capital Yerevan) on February 22. 

1960: Pick up his first paintbrush at age 7. 

1971-75: Attended the Terlemezian School of Arts in Yerevan and studied painting. 

1977: Married Nelli Mkhitarian

1978: First daughter Mariam, born on June 4.

1979: Sold his first painting to the Armenian Cultural Ministry for the National Museum in Yerevan.

1982: His work toured in a group exhibition in Moscow’s museums as part of the Soviet Artist's Exchange. 

1983: Second daughter Narine, born on May 9. 

1984: His work toured in a group exhibition in St. Petersburg’s museums as part of the Soviet Artist’s Exchange. 

1989: First son, Rafael born on October 1. 

1992: Exhibition of work in Istanbul. 

1995: Exhibition of work in France. 

1996: Exhibition of work in Beirut and England. 

1997: Exhibition of work in Kuwait. 

1998: Exhibition of work in Beirut. 

1999: First visit to the United States for an exhibition at the Armenian General Benevolent Union in Pasadena. 

2000: April 9; Featuring an Art Exhibit "Art in the Afternoon", Sunday Brunch garden party benefiting the Glendale Memorial Comprehensive Cancer Center.

2003: May 20; Glendale Memorial Hospital presented a painting "ETERNITY" as a gift to the City of Glendale in memory of loved ones lost on September 11, 2001.

2005: November 16, Burbank, California, Certificate of appreciation - In recognition of your commitment to the arts as an integral part of promoting physical, spiritual and emotional healing and for your dedication to making a significant and positive contribution to the community.

2007: Exhibition of works at Bicycle Club Casino, California, USA.

2007: Participated the Art Expo 2007, New York, USA.

2007: Was granted with the gold medal of Fridtjof Nansen who was a great humanist, winner of Nobel Peace Prize.

2008: March 18, Mission Hills, California. Donated a painting to the Providence Holy Cross Medical Center followed by an art exibit and sale of his fine art.

2008: Awarded with Commendation from Los Angeles County in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civil pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County.

2009: Awarded with gold medal of Ministry of culture of the Republic of Armenia.

2010: August 9; Presented with a Member's Resolution by California legislature ASSEMBLY Honorable member Anthony Portantino (44th Assembly District) and the Honorable S. Joseph Simitian (11th Senatorial District) for his Capitol artwork donation.

2011: International Informatization Academy in general consultative status with economic and social council of the United Nations presented to Shmavon Shmavonyan an active member of this Academy.

2011: On September 3, 2011, through Government Order “224A” the President of the Republic of Armenia awarded Shmavon Shmavonian “Honorary Title of Meritorious Artist of the Republic of Armenia.”