MUSCATINE, Iowa — Even after decades of practice and work, Marta Grabenko never viewed herself as an artist, regardless of what her friends and admirers said.

Now, 12 years after her death, the community is invited to view Grabenko’s art during an exhibit and sale on Sunday, Nov. 22,  at Muscatine’s First Presbyterian Church.

Roberta House, a member of the Presbyterian Women, the organization conducting the show, said proceeds from the sale will be used for local, national and international mission projects.

First Presbyterian member Mary Jo Stanley of Muscatine said Grabenko’s love for her art was always evident during their decades-long friendship.

Grabenko and her husband, Sergei, immigrated to Muscatine from Russia in 1950 with help from the Church World Service organization, Stanley said.

Stanley’s father, Joseph Kennedy, was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Muscatine  from 1946-55, and his congregation  assisted the Grabenkos as they settled in Muscatine.

Marta had lessons in a Russian art academy when she was a young girl and always enjoyed painting.

During her first years in the United States, Marta painted on paper grocery sacks, Stanley said, because she couldn’t afford paper or canvass.

One year, Marta gave Stanley’s grandfather a pair of apples painted on this humble canvass, and Stanley said she keeps the treasured gift to this day.

Sergei died in 1971 and Marta spent her final years at Muscatine’s Clark House, where she continued her artwork.

“She was a fantastic woman,” said Stanley. “She was energized and interested in many things. She was a lifelong learner.”

Stanley said that when Marta was in her 90s, she bought  a book on how to paint in a contemporary fashion.

“She stretched herself and did so many different styles,” said Stanley. “She became more contemporary in her later years.”

But for all her practice, Marta remained humble.

“When she was in her 90s and people would call her an artist, she wouldn’t accept that,” said Stanley who was planning Marta’s 100th birthday party when Marta died in 1997 at age  99. “She would say, ‘Maybe someday I’ll be an artist.’”

Marta and Sergei did not have children or family in this area and Marta left much of her artwork to her longtime friend, Gisela K. Creamer of Fruitland.

Creamer donated much of the work to the First Presbyterian Church.

Six of Marta’s works will be framed and displayed at the church, said House, and more of Marta’s work will be for sale.

House said giving the proceeds from the artwork sale to missions is appropriate.

“Marta was always very generous with her time and very active in the church,” said House.”

After consulting with  area artists, the Presbyterian Women listed the oil paintings, sketches, pastels and watercolors at prices ranging from $5-$80, but House said those prices are negotiable.

“If someone gives me a decent offer, we will accept it,” said House. “We want these pieces to go to homes where the people will cherish Marta’s memory.”