Bio
Ellen Lefrak was born in Yonkers, New York. She majored in art in High School and after
graduation, studied for one year at the Tyler School of Fine Art at Temple University in
Philadelphia, Pa.
In 1962, Ellen fulfilled her dream and emigrated to Israel. She quickly established herself
in the Hebrew culture and managed to support herself while completing her studies at the
Hebrew University, graduating in 1968 with a BA in Archaeology and Jewish History.
That year, Ellen was chosen to lead the team of archaeologists responsible for the
registration of finds at the first (ever) excavation of the Southern Wall in Jerusalem,
where she worked for 5 years.
By 1971, she was taking private art courses and in 1972 she entered the Fine Arts
Department of the Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem, being one of 40 students accepted
out of 400. During her years at the school, Ellen was an assistant in the drawing and
silk screen departments. She received her BFA in 1976, having specialized in printmaking.
Following her graduation, Ellen created a studio in her Jerusalem home, where she
has been working and teaching and printing for others ever since. In addition she
has taught drawing, silk screen and photography in various cultural centers, as well
as the Youth Wing of the Israel Museum, to both adults and children.
She has since taken courses in computer graphics and video photography ,which she
has successfully incorporated into her work.
When not visiting and painting in Ireland, she continues to paint and teach in
her Jerusalem studio, and hold periodical exhibitions in various venues.
Max Roach
Enamel and Oil bar
140x50 cm
