Charles Pelshaw a bit about himself.
I’m a third generation Polish American as my grandmother on one side and great grandparents on the other side come from Poland. However, although this may seem distant. My Polish heritage is critical in the person that I’ve become!
I’ve been active in the Polish community since age 8…. And currently I am 56 yrs. old. As a child,
I danced under Marcia Lewandowski as a Rzeszow dancer, then joined the Wawel Folk ensemble as a young adult for 9 years. As a college student, I studied Polish at Wayne State University and spent a summer at the Jagiellonian University studying language and history. Subsequently, I then attended Wayne State University- School of Medicine and became a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (caring for children with disabilities).
After having a family, I returned to Polish dance and hove again been dancing the Wawel Folk Ensemble for another 13 years. During this time, I’ve been involved with authentically replicating embroidery designs and beading for not only the Wawel Folk Ensemble, but also for the children’s PRCUA dance group Opole. Regional embroidery has included embroidering 12 blouses and Shirts from Lublin (Krzczonowski), embroidery for 12 women’s Cieszyn vests, embroidery for numerous Beskid Żywiec vests, plus beading Przeworsk vests and most recently beading 12 vests for the region of Lachów Sądeckich ( Nowy Sącz).
Most recently, I taught a class for Szopka making associated with Friends of Polish Art. I plan on continuing the Szopka classes for FPA and moving forward have taken on the chair of that event. In addition, I am on the board of Friends of Polish Art.
I hope this gives a better idea of who I am… and my love for my Polish heritage. I feel honored to be considered! Also, with the Friends of Polish Art, I’ve taught a beading class of the Rzeszow region.
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
