Dani Shkelqim was born in Tirana Albania. He studied at the school of fine arts in Tirana, graduating in 1977. At the young age of 28, Dani was givin the honer of being part of a group exhibition held in Albania’s National Museum. He won second prize in painting. Shkelqim took a position as a large set and screen painter for the Albanian Film Studio Company in 1985, and stayed there honing in on his technical skills. In 1991, Dani left Albania for Hungary, Austria, and Germany where he had exhibited previously seeking a new homeland. In 1993 he and his family immigrated to the United States where Dani lives today in Michigan. Dani has received awards in the U.S. including one at the prestigious Meadowbrook Art Festival, and has found a loyal base of collectors all over the United States. His work combines a highly adept painting technique with a rich and vibrant color palette that has been refered to as “21st Century Impressionism.” His subjects are diverse and include metaphorical figures in highly symbolic compositions, lush landscapes and cityscapes that celebrate beauty and nature.