Shevchenko Museum in Toronto

Holiday Market Vendor Call

Event Date: November 30 - December 1, 2024, 11 am - 5 pm
Location: 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Application Deadline: November 21, 2024

We are excited to invite vendors to join our Holiday Market! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your products and connect with the community during the festive season.

Who We’re Looking For:
We welcome applications from artisans, rafters, food vendors, and small businesses offering unique, handmade, or locally sourced products.

Participation Fees:

Full Table (or space): $80 CAD
Half Table: $40 CAD

Payment:
Payments by cash or e-transfer. Details will be provided upon acceptance of your application.

Vendor Benefits:

Support for local businesses through community engagement
Marketing and promotional support
A festive atmosphere to celebrate the holiday season

Vendor Requirements:

Completed application form by the deadline
Vendors are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits or licenses
Commitment to the event hours and setup/dismantle times

How to Apply:
Please fill out the Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JTQ-9RrLROCGGBIJgylfIrJmywFcO5oXjlBZL__pPGg/edit?ts=6706b921) to register as a vendor. We will review applications on a rolling basis and notify you of your acceptance.

For Questions:
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] Tel: 416-534-8662.

We look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you!

Gerdan (Ukrainian beaded necklace) replicas from a book available in our library under the name Українське Народне Мистецтво by Ковчег available for sale in our gift shop.

$70 per item, handwoven by . Pieces can be purchased by visiting our museum or by calling the museum directly (416) 534-8662. Card, cash and e-transfer are acceptable as valid forms of payment.

Thank-you to everybody who attended our most recent workshop on Ukrainian Fabric Dolls by Nadiia Voloshchuk. We appreciate all of your support and your continued interest in our events. Stay tuned for updates on our next workshop.

Miniature works by Oksana Yevchuk are now available for purchase!

Infused with Ukrainian charm and artistry, this is the perfect holiday gift for your friends and loved ones.

We offer pick-up from the museum and delivery (for more information, please contact us). We accept e-transfers and credit cards.

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Мініатюрні роботи Оксани Євчук доступні для придбання!

Ці роботи будуть ідеальним подарунком до свят для ваших друзів та рідних, пронизаним українським шармом та артистизмом.

Придбані роботи можна підібрати з музею. Якщо вам потрібна доставка, просимо звернутися за телефоном 416-534-8662 для детальної інформації. Оплату ми приймаємо через e-transfer та кредитні картки.

We are thrilled to invite you to our November Art Market – an exhibition and sale of art by amazingly talented Toronto artists, November 7 – December 1, 2024 at the Shevchenko Museum & Gallery!

As you explore the November Art Market exhibition 2024, you will encounter striking installations from the moment you set foot in the foyer of the Shevchenko Museum. You will engage with art in unexpected ways, adding an extra dimension to your festive Christmas-shopping experience. If you are looking for one-of-a-kind art items, you won’t want to miss this market. Take your time, explore, reflect, and take home that special work that truly resonates with you.

Opening reception: Thursday, November 7 at 6 pm at the Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Meet the artists, connect with friends, enjoy music with a drink & sweets in a festive atmosphere, and shop for unique Christmas gifts.

Admission is free. Everyone is welcome. Please reserve your spot at: www.eventbrite.ca/e/november-art-market-tickets-1061010042599?aff=oddtdtcreator

Duration: November 7 – December 1, 2024

Museum Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 10 am – 4 pm, Thurs: 12 – 7 pm, weekends: by appointment.

November Art Market will be open to the public during our Shevchenko Museum Holiday Market on November 30 & December 1, 2024.

THE OTHER VIEW: Searching for Peace exhibition by photographer, Paul Osadchuk, has been extended until the end of October. Don't miss out on your chance to see these beautiful works on display at the Shevchenko Museum.

Some photos from our most recent workshop CREATE A PLAYFUL FISH ORNAMENT with Liubov Miroshnichenko. Thank-you to everybody who registered and attended the workshop.
The Shevchenko Museum in thankful to Dmytro Ustymenko and Liubov Miroshnichenko for sponsoring this workshop.

If you would like to attend one of our next art workshops and take home a beautiful work of art, we have two upcoming workshops:

Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 - 7:30:

Ukrainian Fabric-Doll Workshop by Nadiia Voloshchuk
Age: 16+
Length: 2 hours
Languages: Ukrainian, English
To register for Ukrainian Fabric-Doll Workshop and to learn more visit the link below 👇
https://www.shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1132

THE VENICE GLASS WEEK 2024
A reportage by artist Marharyta Puhachenko

(online presentation in Ukrainian language)

Sunday, October 27, 2024, 12 - 2 PM EST (Toronto time), 19 - 21 (Kyiv time)

The Venice Glass Week, an international festival dedicated to the art of glass, was established in 2017 to celebrate, support and promote glass making. This year, the festival took place from the 14th to the 22nd of September, drawing crowds of thousands. The lecture will be delivered in Ukrainian by attendee, Marharyta Puhachenko, postgraduate student of the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, Department of Fine Art.

Moderator: Larissa Stavroff-Kravchuk

Registration Required.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcOutrj4rG9xjLbEr5F_iTbCpr0acJbyy

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Венеціанський тиждень скла 2024
Репортаж мисткині Маргарити Пугаченко

(онлайн-презентація українською мовою)

Неділя, 27 жовтня 2024 року, 12:00 за часом Торонто, 19:00 за київським часом

Венеціанський тиждень скла (Venice Glass Week) - міжнародний фестиваль, присвячений мистецтву скла, був заснований в 2017 році з метою святкування, підтримки та популяризації склоробства. Цього року фестиваль проходив з 14 по 22 вересня і привабив багатотисячну аудиторію. Презентацію представить аспірантка Київського столичного університету імені Бориса Грінченка факультету образотворчого мистецтва, Маргарита Пугаченко.

Модератор: Лариса Ставрова-Кравчук

Просимо зареєструватися.
Реєстрація: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcOutrj4rG9xjLbEr5F_iTbCpr0acJbyy

This lecture is sponsored by The Olzhych Foundation.

Some photos from our most recent BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP with Marta Kolotylo. Thank you to everybody who registered and attended the workshop.

If you would like to attend one of our next art workshops and go home with a beautiful artwork we have two upcoming workshops:

Thursday, October 17th, 5:30 - 7:00 PM:

CREATE A PLAYFUL FISH ORNAMENT - FUNDRAISER FOR UKRAINE by Liubov Miroshnichenko

*Proceeds from the sale of the tickets will be sent to Ukraine in support of wounded Ukrainian soldiers and veterans.

Cost: $20 per person. Materials included
Age: 9+
Length: 1.5 hours
Language: Ukrainian, English

To register for Create a Playful Fish Ornament Workshop and to learn more visit the link below👇
https://www.shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1130
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Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 - 7:30:

Ukrainian Fabric-Doll Workshop by Nadiia Voloshchuk

Age: 16+
Length: 2 hours
Languages: Ukrainian, English

To register for Ukrainian Fabric-Doll Workshop and to learn more visit the link below 👇
https://www.shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1132

Thank you to everybody who attended the opening of The Other View: Searching for Peace on September 22nd. The show is still on going and will run until October 25th, 2024. Don't miss your chance to see the wonderful works of Paul Osadchuk on display at the Shevchenko Museum. If you would like to learn more about the artist and the story behind the project, checkout the interview with Paul Osadchuk by Victoria McKhail available on our Youtube channel.

All proceeds from the sale will be extended to the people of Ukraine in their effort to heal and overcome their aggressor.

THE OTHER VIEW: Searching for Peace

Paul Osadchuk’s stunning collection of photographs implores viewers to reflect on the pain of the past and present, while focusing on a future of hope and harmony

By Ayah Victoria McKhail

In an unforgettable odyssey that has spanned decades and continents, Paul Osadchuk, a photographer who has visited over 300 world heritage sites, got behind the lens of his camera to take photographs in countries that have been ravaged by war, conflict and division. Currently on display at the Taras Shevchenko Museum is an intriguing exhibition, which features photographs from countries such as Brazil, Canada and Syria, whisking viewers to disparate parts of the world, and leading them to contemplate the past, while reimagining the present and the future.

Curated by Lyudmyla Pogoryelova, Director of the Taras Shevchenko Museum and Olha Turko, Assistant Curator, according to Pogoryelova, the main strength of the exhibition lies in its implicit portrayal of the importance of considering divergent perspectives. “By displaying his photographs in their mirror reflections, the artist aims to show that every conflict has another side, and it’s up to both sides of the conflict to see that other side. With these photographs, the artist aims to show that with sensible discussions, the conflict could be prevented or resolved, and destruction and loss of lives avoided.”

Osadchuk’s exhibition hearkens back to one of the French philosopher, Albert Camus’s most famous sayings, “Peace is the only battle worth waging.” It also speaks to his own personal stance. “I’ve been an anti-war advocate for most of my life. It saddens me that people have to resort to such drastic measures to be able to satisfy big business, big egos, or whatever the case may be. It all spins into aggression, destruction and no regard for human life; it deeply saddens me.”

Osadchuk’s vision for the exhibition emerged from these very sentiments. A teacher by profession, he eventually merged his penchant for travelling with his passion for photography. Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1945 to a Ukrainian father and a Belarusian mother (who considered herself more Ukrainian), his Ukrainian roots are an integral part of his identity, and have shaped his existence for as long as he can remember, despite immigrating to Canada when he was only three years old.

Osadchuk remains inextricably linked to Ukraine, and still has family there. Watching the war unfold has been a deeply distressing experience for him, but rather than being paralyzed by the sense of devastation that has engulfed him, he’s been propelled into action and is motivated to make a difference. “The exhibition is focused on fundraising; all profits will assist in the rehabilitation of Ukraine’s wounded soldiers and veterans through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.”

The opening reception was held on September 22, 2024. It garnered a great deal of interest from the public, who were eager to embark on a journey of discovery through the artist’s eyes. Larissa Stavroff, a cultural worker at the Shevchenko Museum and a life-long friend to Paul, delivered the keynote address, which highlighted milestones in a life built on momentous experiences. She also mentioned an important lesson Osadchuk drew from one of his photography professors at Toronto’s York University, which is a focal feature in his work. “Following Mike Semak’s teaching that there should be purpose and intention in what you’re shooting, Paul’s intent is to provoke people to think and draw their own conclusions. His wish is to pique their curiosity, and engage them in thought. And it gives him great satisfaction to stand back and observe their response to his images.”

Ihor Tomkiw, who’s currently reading a comprehensive book, entitled “Ukraine, The Forging of a Nation” by the Lviv-based historian and professor, Yaroslav Hrytsak, found himself drawn to two photographs taken there. The first one, Ukraine: Kyiv returned to its historical name in 1995, is a memorial to Petro Konashevych Sahaidachny, a political and civic leader, who was a Hetman of Ukrainian Cossacks from 1616-1622. It’s located in Khotyn, Chernivtsi Oblast. The second one, Ukraine: Nomadic, fighting for freedom, is a memorial to Cossacks and peasants, located in Berestechko, Volyn Oblast. Reflecting on its magnitude, he said, “It’s very powerful. The clasping of the hands symbolizes unity and co-operation, which are needed to stand up to oppression.”

Iris Sopinka, a retired French teacher who volunteers at the museum and is an amateur art collector, found herself mesmerized by Lithuania: Its independence regained in 1991. “Taken as a composite whole, these photographs reveal a sense of celestial wonder. The beauty of the dark, night sky, illuminated by the moon, transport you to another orbit. You immediately feel uplifted.”

Tetiana Protcheva, an artist, found the photographs, Cambodia: Struggles within South East Asia particularly striking. “The contrast between black and white really drew me in. Seeing a strong source of light filter through underscored the importance of seeking out light; of finding a passageway, even during the fog of war when everything’s so dark.”

In addition to viewing the stunning collection of photography on display, visitors to the museum were enchanted by a selection of reggae pieces played by Eileen Eryn Rene, a Jamaican-Canadian flutist. “Reggae music is about freedom and peace, so I thought it would complement the themes inherent in Paul Osadchuk’s creative vision. I also wanted to honour the profound legacy of Taras Shevchenko. Similarly, Bob Marley was a creative freedom fighter.”

Reflecting on the scope of the photographs on display, she added, “It’s apparent the artist was intent on bringing forth peace, as he doesn’t show turmoil in his pieces. Instead, he refocuses us on the abstract beauty of monuments and landscapes.”
These points resonated with Alexandra Radkewycz, who enjoys attending art exhibitions at the museum, particularly because they place a spotlight on both emerging and established Ukrainian artists. “I love the diversity of the photographs on display. Having two appear alongside one another is emblematic of wholeness; there’s an unbrokenness to them. Essentially, they encapsulate the unity of a nation. Being Ukrainian, I think about that every day, and how ultimately, we’re all striving toward peace.”

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The Other View Searching for Peace photo exhibition can be seen at the Taras Shevchenko Museum until October 25, 2024. 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario

416-534-8662 [email protected] www.shevchenko.ca

All profits will assist in the rehabilitation of Ukraine’s wounded soldiers and veterans through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

The Shevchenko Art Gallery is seeking submissions for our NOVEMBER ART MARKET, an exhibition celebrating the spirit of the approaching festive season.

We invite artists to submit works which embody the cozy feel of November, the essence of warm, inviting porch lights, and the anticipation of holiday cheer. We are looking for pieces which evoke a sense of togetherness, gratitude, and joy. Join us in creating a memorable experience of connecting our community through art!

Please submit your art here : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Kj1DXwhUZVOoX2_9E7iSLDqpD7drYM5zmC_Z8j75ufc/viewform?ts=66f41caf&edit_requested=true by October 24, 2024

The Shevchenko Museum invites you to a workshop conducted by artist Nadiia Voloshchuk who will teach you to make a traditional fabric doll from the Middle-Dnipro region of Ukraine. It will be held on Thursday, October 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

This technique of doll-making uses fabric, batting, thread and ribbon to create beautiful, colourful figures. Make it as a gift or as a treasure for yourself. There is no sewing involved and no prior experience is required.

This ages-old craft of doll-making, passed down through generations, reflects not only cultural and spiritual beliefs, but also the bond between grandmother and granddaughter, mother and daughter. A representation of love, hope, and faith in goodness, these dolls served as a talisman. As a rule, village girls owned several dolls with which they played out various life situations. In many families, the dolls were inherited, because it was believed that they embodied the soul of the mother or grandmother.

Ages: 16+
Length: 2 hours
Languages: Ukrainian, English
Space is limited. All participants must register.

REGISTRATION: https://www.shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1132

Photo from the catalog: Народні ляльки з колекції подружжя Людмили Орлової та Олександра Найдена [Folk Dolls from the Collection of Lyudmyla Orlova and Oleksandr Naiden].

CALL FOR ARTISTS

The Shevchenko Art Gallery is seeking submissions for our NOVEMBER ART MARKET, an exhibition celebrating the spirit of the approaching festive season. We invite artists to submit works which embody the cozy feel of November, the essence of warm, inviting porch lights, and the anticipation of holiday cheer. We are looking for pieces which evoke a sense of togetherness, gratitude, and joy. Join us in creating a memorable experience of connecting our community through art!

Visit our link & fill out application form. Please, submit your art by October 24, 2024
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Kj1DXwhUZVOoX2_9E7iSLDqpD7drYM5zmC_Z8j75ufc/edit?ts=66f41caf

CREATE A PLAYFUL FISH ORNAMENT

The Shevchenko Museum is offering a workshop in which you will learn to create a decorative fish from fabric. This beautiful object could be a Christmas ornament, a treasure for your home, or a present for your loved ones.

Please join us for a workshop led by Liubov Miroshnichenko on Thursday, October 17, 5:30 - 7 pm. Proceeds from the sale of the tickets will be sent to Ukraine in support of wounded Ukrainian soldiers and veterans.
Cost: $20 per person. Materials included
Age: 9+
Length: 1.5 hours
Language: Ukrainian, English

All participants must register as space is limited.
REGISTRATION: https://www.shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1130

If you wish to register by phone, please call the Shevchenko Museum at 416-534-8662

The Other View: Searching for peace, an exhibition of photographs by Paul Osadchuk opened on September 22 was a great success.

On behalf of the Shevchenko Museum, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked so diligently behind the scenes to put this event together. And those people are: Paul Osadchuk and his wife Lillian, Larissa Stavroff, Olha Turko, Aya Victoria McKhail, Dianna Tkachenko, Sophia Meliantseva, Bernardine Dobrowolsky, Jerry Dobrowolsky, and Connie Prince.

The exhibition will be on display until October 25.
The proceeds from all the sales will be extended to the people of Ukraine in their effort to heal and overcome their aggressor.

September 22, 2pm - 5:30pm Fundraiser Auction

Item: Nomadic, fighting for Freedom
Paul Osadchuk
photograph, framed, 28" x 32"
Starting price: $250.00

The Shevchenko Museum invites you to take part in the fundraising auction of Paul Osadchuk's photo artwork: “Nomadic, fighting for Freedom” during the opening of the exhibition “THE OTHER VIEW: Searching for Peace” on Sunday, September 22 from 2 pm to 5:30 pm at the Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

All proceeds will go to charity to assist in the rehabilitation of Ukraine’s wounded soldiers and veterans through Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Let's come together in search of peace and make a difference.

If you are not able to attend and would like to submit a bid, please send us an email to: [email protected]

Please register for the exhibition reception here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-other-view-searching-for-peace-a-photo-exhibit-by-paul-osadchuk-tickets-1006192267157?aff=oddtdtcreator

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On September 17 we honour the birthday of the Shevchenko Museum past president, Wilfred Szczesny. He would have been 83. A journalist, editor, translator, musician, and community activist, he left behind a tremendous legacy in all that he did.

Please watch a video of Wilfred reading Taras Shevchenko poetry in the March, 2013 program of Kontakt Ukrainian TV.

The Shevchenko Museum is thankful to Wilfred's daughter, Zorya, for making a donation in memory of her father.

Kontakt TV: March 9, 2013 (#2128, Part 3) Welcome to the KONTAKT Ukrainian Television Network. Produced by Jurij Klufas and hosted by Marta Czurylowicz, the program is based in Toronto, Canada and is...

THE OTHER VIEW: Searching for peace exhibition

Please join us September 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor St. West, Toronto, for the opening of THE OTHER VIEW: Searching for peace, an exhibition of photography by Paul Osadchuk. With this collection, the artist seeks to examine options for resolving conflict and for maintaining a peaceful world.
To quote the artist, “As we speak, somewhere on this planet there is unrest and the threat of war. Unfortunately, with unresolved conflict comes destruction and loss of life.
The images I have chosen are mirror images reflecting the other side. They are only a small example of places around the world which have survived conflict. It also realizes that with sensible discussions the whole image stays complete but without it the completeness becomes nonexistent. The stability of everything is important to sustain a future for coming generations”.

Born in Brazil to Ukrainian parents, Paul Osadchuk, who makes his home in Toronto, Canada, studied photography at York University under Michael Semak and Shin Sugino. A freelance photographer since 1978 and recipient of four Ontario Art Council awards, he has exhibited in Australia, Malaysia, Mexico (where he spends his winters), Peru, Ukraine and Canada in Manitoba, New Brunswick, and extensively throughout Ontario. Paul’s photography has ranged from documentary to abstract with his current passion being on photographing world heritage sites.

With years of experience and boundless imagination, Paul Osadchuk has exhibited both on the domestic and international stage and he continues to find new and intriguing ways to create art that is both abstract and imaginative.

The proceeds from all the sales will be extended to the people of Ukraine in their effort to heal and overcome their aggressor.

Please register here to attend the opening: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-other-view-searching-for-peace-a-photo-exhibit-by-paul-osadchuk-tickets-1006192267157?aff=oddtdtcreator

Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario
E: [email protected]
Ph: 416-534-8662
W: https://www.shevchenko.ca
I: https://www.instagram.com/shevchenkomuseum/

Some photos from our most recent Art Workshop on Rope Art by Margaryta Savina. Thank you to everybody who registered and attended the workshop.

If you would like to attend our next art workshop and go home with a beautiful artwork Botanical Illustration by Marta Kolotylo is happening on September 5th from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Visit the link below to learn more and register 👇
https://shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1127

A CURATORIAL TOUR of the exhibition FREEDOMNESS with Violetta Skrypnyk and the artists

🗓️ September 12th
🕠 6:00 PM

Explore "Freedomness", an exhibition in which 13 contemporary Ukrainian artists interpret the concept of freedom through their unique lenses. This tour explores how art expresses personal power and the effects of conflict on identity. Come see how the artists imagine a future of Freedom and Empowerment.

Everyone is welcome!

Vytik Art Collective

🌸BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP🌸 with Marta Kolotylo

🗓Thursday, September 5, 2024
⏰ 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Experience the magic of acrylic painting! Dive into the vibrant world of botanical art as you explore the delicate form, rich colors, and intricate details of plants. Guided by our skilled instructor, you'll create a unique illustration of a eustoma flower on a black canvas. This is the perfect opportunity to express your creativity and bring a touch of natural beauty to your art.

Cost: $45 per person. 👶Children age 7 - 12: $35
All materials are provided
Length: 1.5 hours
Language: Ukrainian, English

❗️All participants must register as space is limited.

If you wish to register by phone, please call the Shevchenko Museum at 416-534-8662

Tickets: https://www.shevchenko.ca/events/details.cfm?eventid=1127

Vytik Art Collective

#українцівторонто #онтаріо

FREEDOMNESS EXHIBITION

"A new exhibition with a topical theme generates widespread interest"

By Ayah Victoria McKhail

If you’ve ever wondered what ‘freedomness’ is and the centrality of this concept in the lives of artists, you now have until September 16, 2024 to find out at Toronto’s Shevchenko’s Museum. As Yuliia Sarancheva, who attended the opening reception explains, “The unique experiences of each artist has led to the creation of art that’s distinct in style and imaginative in scope. This exhibition is full of intrigue.”

The Vytik art collective’s fourth exhibition, it was co-curated by Iryna Kolotylo, an art manager; Marta Kolotylo, an art teacher; and Violetta Skrypnyk, an art historian. Evoking the vision of 13 Ukrainian artists, inspiration is derived from Olha Kobylianska. A feminist, she’s one of Ukraine’s most celebrated modernist novelists. Influenced by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, particularly around notions concerning the power of inner strength, her words, “To have such freedom as to be your own goal/achievement,” are finding resonance among an entirely new generation of artists. They include: Maria Antoniv, Pavlo Baiandin, Mariia Charuta, Stacy Chu, Marta Kolotylo, Yana Litus, Oleksandra Lytsak, Nestor, Sasha Q, Margaryta Savina, Anastasia Spivak, Bridget Puhacz and Petro Zolotoverhy.

As Lyudmyla Pogoryelova, the museum’s director elucidates, “ Kobylianska’s words are a rallying call. She implores people to aspire toward an empowering type of freedom in their lives, and to have the courage to dream of a liberated future. Essentially, ‘freedomness’ heightens an individual’s artistic development. Once attained, it ushers in a sense of contentment.”

Marta Kolotylo’s Freedom encapsulates this. “In this new series of works, I’ve merged my two passions: graphic design and working with children. The pieces are presented in a geometric, minimalist style, adhering to a specific colour scheme. At the same time, they evoke the essence of children’s alphabet blocks, where each letter or image holds its own distinct meaning.”

Since arriving in Canada from Bukovina, Chernivtsi, Ukraine in the autumn of 2022, the tenet behind the letter ‘O’ has resonated with her the most. It stands for, “Openness: Welcome new experiences and perspectives with a receptive heart.”

Bridget Puhacz’s oil on canvas painting, Slope embraces the sense of openness that comes with being in nature. A colourful winter scene with people skiing, the idea came to her when she was on a ski lift. “I noticed how light was coming through the branches of the trees and hitting the snow. “To me, freedomness can be found in the uninhibited nature of people of all ages, who are finding a way to express themselves by engaging in recreational activity with the goal of being free.”

Puhacz’s other featured works include Love Letter, an oil on canvas painting of a fictional landscape, and intaglio prints of her paternal grandparents, Leonard and Irene, who met at a Ukrainian Church and who were proud to see their granddaughter’s work being showcased at the opening reception.

Maria Antoniv’s acrylic on canvas painting, Moving Forward is a strikingly beautiful piece, which features a flowing panoply of flowers. The texture is lush and a sense of dynamism bursts to the fore. “This piece is ‘freedomness.’ There’s flow with the colour and with the form. The colour green is prominent, as it’s representative of life and growth. Freedom doesn’t have boundaries.”

Angus Chong was drawn to the palpable sense of continuity in the painting. “It looks very chaotic; a lot is happening. It struck me that we’re never really in the present; that we should stop in life to look around; to find beauty and to seek freedom.”

A salient theme, it colours Mariia Charuta’s imagination. Her fantastical acrylic on canvas painting, Helping Him Out of His Shell, is about friendships. It explores the concept of breaking free from the clutches of people who take advantage of others. It’s also about defining boundaries on her own terms. “I treat my art as a diary. The more open you are in your art, the better it is.”

Iris Sopinka, a retired French teacher who volunteers at the Shevchenko Museum and is an amateur art collector, was instantly drawn to this painting. “It strikes me as being a real focal point. The kaleidoscope of colours is mesmerizing. It compels me to engage with the painting and to discern its meaning.”

Charuta’s willingness to push boundaries in all spheres of her life has led to the creation of art that’s spellbinding. Each painting is analogous to a mystery novel. She engages viewers by offering subtle clues about the meaning and interpretation of each masterpiece. One’s compelled to think deeply and about what she’s revealing, and what she might be withholding.

The intensity of Charuta’s art was on full display at Confessions Unasked For, her first solo art exhibition, which was held at the She Said Gallery earlier this summer. Also curated by the Vytik art collective, it featured paintings such as I Want, The Feeling Inside, and Paradise, Corrupted, garnering widespread fascination.

As Skrypnyk reflects on the resounding success of the Vytik art collective’s exhibitions, she’s buoyed by the momentum, which continues to build since its founding in February 2023. As she looks toward the future, consistency will be the main focus. “We’d like to continue with curating shows, both group and personal exhibitions. We think our next project will be a group photo exhibition. We’re planning to announce an open call.” She also mentions she’s looking for sponsors and partners for upcoming projects and that the collective is open to collaborating with other communities.

At the opening reception of Freedomness, Skrypnyk was beaming. She notes how grateful she is to Pogoryelova for allowing the collective to hold the exhibition at the Shevchenko Museum. She also mentions how appreciative she is to Olha Turko, the museum’s assistant curator – and an artist in her own right – for helping with the installation.

For Margaryta Savina, who utilizes a variety of techniques such as batik, macrame, fabric painting and mixed media, being part of the exhibition, has been a meaningful experience. Using cord on canvas, Ocean and Wheat Fields are on display. Crediting the renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh and the venerated Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai as being sources of inspiration, her creations pay homage to her beloved homeland. “Its breathtakingly beautiful scenes are seared in my memory. The landscape in Ocean is something I had been envisioning for months, whereas the landscape in Wheat Fields evokes my heritage; it’s a strong motif in Ukrainian culture and art. Ukraine is with me all the time in Canada.”

To Savina, freedomness is something she continuously strives for. “Freedom for me is the courage and bravery to live my life, choosing my path, to dream, to try, to take reasonable risks even when it’s scary.”
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The Freedomness exhibition will continue until September 16, 2024 at the Shevchenko Museum: 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Gallery hours: Mon, Tues. Weds, Fri: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs: 12-7 p.m., and weekends by appointment.
Phone number: 416-534-8662
Email address: [email protected]
Website: www.shevchenko.ca
The Vytik art collective has also organized a Freedomness art program. Several of the artists whose works are featured in the exhibition are facilitating art workshops in Ukrainian and English. The program will culminate in a curatorial tour by Violetta Skrypnyk and the artists.
To stay updated on the latest events, please visit: www.shevchenko.ca/events
For more information and to register, please email: [email protected]
Or check out their Instagram page: vytik_art_collective
Facebook: Vytik Art Collective
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About Ayah Victoria McKhail:

Ayah Victoria McKhail is a Toronto-based journalist who is passionate about arts and culture reporting. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, such as the Literary Review of Canada, the WholeNote, and newspapers affiliated with the East Coast’s SaltWire Network.