Sally Zelenczuk: Beginnings 2

We are delighted to be showcasing the work of Sally Zelenczuk in The Runway Gallery. Sally spent most of her childhood in Bradfield and Bucklebury, attending Bradfield Primary School and The Downs School, before completing her Fine Art degree at De Montfort University, Leicester. Sally died aged 31 in February 2024, one month after a diagnosis of adrenocortical cancer (ACC). This exhibition is a celebration of her life through her art.

Sally’s work reflects her interest in the natural world, her love of intricate patterns, and her bold use of colour. These themes are drawn together across the pieces on display at this exhibition. Throughout, joy is found in her use of different alignments and arrangements to interact with her distinctive colour palette.

This is the second exhibition of Sally’s work. The first, ‘Beginnings’, was held in February 2025 at Ten2 Gallery in Hinckley, where Sally was living at the time she died. It comprises ‘Accumulate/Disperse’, a series of collagraphs exploring her use of colour, along with ‘The Journey’, a collection of leaf collages sewn in intricate designs. These works were produced during Sally’s time at De Montfort University, and are displayed alongside some complementary earlier works.

Recognising ACC is extremely difficult, and is often found too late through misdiagnosis of more common disorders. Adrenocortical Cancer Support UK, provide information and support for those affected by this one-in-a million disease. It is a very small charity where donations make a real difference. So far, over £15,000 has been raised in Sally’s name, and funds raised from the exhibition will help continue their good work.

More details of Sally’s art and fundraising in her memory can be found on her Instagram page. Further enquiries can be made to sallyz.art@gmail.com.