Russian artist and musician Nika Shirocorad is combining her studies in London with living and painting in York.

She is exhibiting for the first time in York at Pyramid Gallery, her pastels of the Minster forming part of the fund-raising show York, A Celebration Of A City, in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.

“I’m delighted to be asked to show my work at this exhibition, which supports an important charity to which I’m donating one of my pictures,” says Nika.

Born into a family of artists and musicians, Nika has chosen to live in York while completing masters degrees in music at the Royal Academy of Music and fine art at St Martin’s in London.

Her musical gifts have taken her on a tour of Japan this year playing classical piano, but she has found time to contribute her pastels to the Pyramid show.

“Painting, for me, is a form of relaxation in which I can express my true self. I’m especially happy to paint here, at my art studio, when I’m at home in York,” says Nika. “This special city makes me dream about fairy tales, makes me travel back in time. Among the pictures I’m presenting are several dedicated specifically to York.”

Painting, performing concerts, and furthering her music and art studies in London add up to a busy year for Nika, pictured right.

“I’ve always had a passion for art and music since I was a child, and before I moved to the UK, I took separate degrees in music and art at the Suricov Academy in Moscow,” she says.

The exhibition is celebrating the heritage of York through the eyes of David Baumforth, Piers Browne, Linda Combi, Sue Dennis, Moira Law, Rory Motion, David Patrick and Rebecca Wright, as well as Nika.

The work is diverse, both in technique and choice of medium, as gallery owner Terry Brett notes. “The nature of the show lends itself to a great mix of work, such as the dramatic portrayals of the river at night by David Baumforth, the sensitive paintings of the Minster by Sue Dennis and the humorous historical character portrayals by illustrator Linda Combi,” he says.

David Patrick, an illustrator based in Bar Lane Studios, is showing dramatic pastel paintings that capture York from high points, while Patrick Smith contributes four dramatic acrylic impressions of the city influenced by 20th century abstract impressionists.

Pyramid Gallery will donate half of its usual commission to St Leonard’s Hospice from the proceeds of painting and print sales. Alongside this charity show, the gallery is exhibiting the ceramic animal sculptures of Holmfirth artists David and Joanne Cooke and textured vessels by London glass artist Adam Aaronson.

• The exhibition will run until the end of the month, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 11am until 4.30pm.