Toronto Ukrainian Festival 2015

Toronto Ukrainian Festival 2015 was a resounding success!  A little Saturday afternoon downpour didn’t dampen spirits.  The tremendous response to new artwork such as Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Selkirk, Manitoba), 35th Anniversary portrait, Western Wedding Korovai (created for very dear friends Wedding in a small Hutsul village this past June) and the beginnings of the Heritage collection to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Ukrainian Immigration to Canada.  I was inspired by a photo of a Pokuttian Couple (near the Hutsul region in Western Ukraine) in their Festive costume.  I offered for the first time large Giclee prints in custom matting that were quickly swept up!  The prints can be created in any sizing relative to their original shape and are printed on fine art paper of a extremely fine quality.  I’m looking forward to the next “Heritage Couple” and documenting the unique costuming of this rich culture!  I’ve had requests such as Hutsul, Bukovyna, or where my father’s family immigrated from regions i n the Galacia area of northwestern Ukraine. A huge thank you to my sister Laurie Penner who came out from Edmonton to help out. A collaboration with Vincent Rees and Cobblestone Freeway cultural tours was very successful as we have been long-time friends and share this special interest in our heritage. I have been on the dance workshop tour in 2012 and my daughter Tamara has been on four! Also very exciting is meeting a young couple for the first time after creating her portrait as a surprise Christmas gift last year! Thank you David and Ali!! Kiana also returned to visit and introduced me to...

My Toronto Booth

The booth was a huge success! Thanks to Karin Chykaliuk for the amazing photos.        ...