Wednesday 18 March 2015

Get a Free Workshop with Volunteer Hours

Sometimes you have to snoop around to find free things! Baba's Beeswax is looking for people of all ages who are fun-loving with a sense of humour to participate in the July 1st Canada Day Salmon Festival Parade with them. This is a great opportunity for high school and international students to earn volunteer hours at a non-charitable event while at the same time start off the summer with a blast. Of course you would have to know a little bit about pysanky in order to participate—and that is where the free workshop comes in! Everything provided.

Thursday 19 February 2015

Celebrating the year of the sheep in 2015

Whether celebrating the year of the sheep, ram or goat, according to the Chinese zodiac it's Spring Festival / Lunar New Year time. The festivities start today and last to February 7, 2016. Isn’t this the cutest ram written by Aaron as we celebrated BC Family Day making pysanky in my studio on February 8, 2015? Very creative work Aaron. Whether it symbolizes the Chinese year of the sheep or the Ukrainian pysanka ram symbol for leadership, victory, and joy, I hope your pysanka brings you a year filled with happiness, good fortune, and egg-cellent grades in school.

As for me, I feel doubly lucky in 2015 as a Capricorn, and luvin' my goat symbol. Baaaaa . . . . .

Wednesday 18 February 2015

Prime Minister Stephen Harper Loves Pysanky

. . . . at least that's what he told me!

With Prime Minister Stephen Harper at BCIT Motive Power Centre of Excellence

Wednesday 18 June 2014

2014 Doors Open – This is what Canada is all about!

It's been a busy summer.  Just a week following the European Festival, we opened our studio, gallery, and library to the public in celebration of Richmond's Doors Open event.
The weekend started with an opening ceremony at London Farm heritage house. My sister was visiting from Toronto. She loves antiques and has her own heritage house in the Ottawa Valley, so she was especially interested in this historical venue.

The weather was glorious that weekend, and the next 2 days were a flurry of activity. Guests were welcomed to a festive expanse of balloons, and my Save the World with Pysanky display. The kids in our neighbourhood had cookies, muffins and lemonade for our visitors.  
The tour started upstairs in the gallery of pysanky, followed by the opportunity to look at the expanse of books catalogued in About the Pysanka—It Is Written!  A cozy corner was set up for reading children's stories.

Many visitors were interested in watching the video, Pysanka: The Ukrainian Easter Egg. The next display to look at was How to Make Pysanky and learn how to empty eggs at the kitchen sink.
Fortunately the weather was sunny and the display expanded to include both levels of our home. Downstairs, children could take a photo in our cut-out pysanka in the garden, interact with mascots Patsy Pysanka and Guy Kistka in the yard, or colour some pysanky pictures inside.

There were puzzles set out for the pysanky timid and for those who wanted to relax.

Tom enjoyed demonstrating pysanky until it was time to facilitate the free workshops.
Everyone loved making pysanky! A group of ladies arrived to celebrate Lou's birthday.  An East Asian woman (sorry, I forgot her name) enjoyed applying traditional Indian patterns to her egg. Another some zen motifs. Everyone was very creative. Ruth arrived with two of her four daughters and was taking her pysanky back to Israel. She commented with a heart-warming "this is what Canada is all about"!

The weekend was dedicated to peace and justice in Ukraine with donations going to CNEWA. Thank you to everyone for your donations.

See more photos of the event on my Flicker Album 2014 Doors Open here.

Monday 16 June 2014

Pysanky at 17th Annual European Festival


Tom at EuroFest
Tom and I welcomed my sister from Toronto to attend the 17th Annual European Festival with us at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Over two glorious sunny days thousands of people visited our Pysanka Pavilion of displays, demonstrations, and workshops. According to an ancient legend, as long as pysanky are being made evil shall not prevail over good in the world. The pavilion, which is always a big hit at this festival, was dedicated to peace and justice in Ukraine, and a gift of a decorated egg was given to anyone who made a donation to CNEWA to help in that cause. We enjoyed a well-deserved post-event rest in the beer gardens with entertainment and music.

See more photos on my Flickr Album here.

Saturday 14 June 2014

2014 Richmond Arts Awards

On May 6, 2014, the best artists, actors, and musicians in Richmond were recognized in several categories at the 2014 Arts Awards. I was honoured to attend the 6th Annual Awards Ceremony as a finalist in the category of Arts Education. The City of Richmond is passionate about supporting and recognizing the artistic achievements and contributions to the cultural community. The Ceremony was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall with His Worship Mayor Malcom Brodie presiding.
Award Certificate

Three finalists were selected in six categories including business and arts, volunteerism, cultural leadership, artistic innovation, arts education, and youth arts. I was so pleased and honoured to be included with the likes of The Arts Connection and Debbie Tobin for this award. The Arts Education Award recognizes an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching and Eve Edmonds, editor of The Richmond News, announced the winner, The Arts Connection. My nomination was made by my friend, Marcia Moroz, who herself steadfastly promotes art and culture in the community.

These photo were taken by Elsa Rojas Marquez, office manager at Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko. Elsa and her partner Jose Gimenez were one of several entertainers who performed that evening.

Announcing the finalists
Following the awards, Marcia, Tom, and I mingled with the other nominees and award winners at the Post-Ceremony Reception, chatted with Mayor Brodie and councilors, and reacquainted with other community leaders and volunteers.
Joan and Rosa

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Calling all Card Collectors

I just updated my pysanky postcard collection and am looking to trade or purchase missing items. I have uploaded photos of over 70 postcards (listed in 19 sections), and am missing a few to complete the respective series. This collection includes the following publishers:
  • O. Kindrachuk, Madeira Park, BC
  • Museum of Canadian Civilization, Hull, QC
  • Surma Book and Music, New York, NY
  • Ukrainian Gift Shop, Minneapolis, MN
  • Ukrainian Institute for Education, Munich
  • Vegreville Floral Boutique, Vegreville, AB
I hope you enjoy looking at these photos and that you will be inspired to update your own collection. The postcards missing from my collection and those available to trade are listed at the end of each section. Unless otherwise noted, all my postcards are new.
 
1. “SERIES III” (a set of 4 design cards)
PublisherSurma, New York, N. Y.
Year 1967
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered13648-C and 13649-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on lime green background
Missing from my collection 2 of the 4 postcards. I'm not sure of the numbers of the 2 missing cards (I have 13648-C and 13649-C)



1967 Surma postcard. SERIES III. #13648-C
1967. Surma. SERIES III. #13648-C

1967 Surma postcard. SERIES III. #13649-C
1967. Surma. SERIES III. #13649-C

2.  “SERIES IV” (a set of 5 design cards)
PublisherSurma Book and Music Co., New York
Year MCMLXIX (1969)
Size9” x 6” (23 cm x 15 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered42771-C to 42775-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on purple background




1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42771-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42771-C


1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42772-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42772-C

1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42773-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42773-C




1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42774-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42774-C

1969 Surma postcard. SERIES IV. #42775-C
1969. Surma. SERIES IV. #42775-C

3. Series 1 (a set of 4 cards)
PublisherO. Kindrachuk, Madeira Park, B.C.
Year 1969
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseTraditional Ukrainian hand decorated Easter Eggs
Postcards are numbered47162-C to 47165-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on dark background; cards have attractive scalloped edges
Available to trade 47163-C (corner of postcard is bent); 47165-C (glue residue on reverse); 47162-C 
1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #47162-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47162-C


1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #47163-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47163-C


1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #471624-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47164-C


1969. O. Kindrachuk postcard. #47165-C
1969. O. Kindrachuk. #47165-C


4. “SERIES I” (a set of 4 design cards)
PublisherSurma, New York, N.Y.
Year MCMLXXIII (1973)
Size9” x 6” (23 cm x 15 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered30339-E to 30342-E
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on blue background. I have an identical card to 30342-E that is numbered 17289-C and is slightly smaller at 8.5" x 6" (21.5 cm x 15 cm)



1973 Surma postcard. SERIES I. #30339-E
1973. Surma.  SERIES I. #30339-E

1973 Surma postcard. SERIES I. #30340-E
1973. Surma. SERIES I. #30340-E

1973. Surma SERIES I #30341-E
1973. Surma. SERIES I. #30341-E



1973 Surma SERIES I. #30342-E
1973. Surma SERIES I. #30342-E
5. “Series II” (a set of 5 design cards)
PublisherSurma Book and Music Co., New York
Year MCMLXXIV (1974)
Size9” x 6” (23 cm x 15 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs, (Pysanky). Authentic miniature masterpieces hand decorated in an age-old process passed down from mother to daughter . . . designed with the symbols of Health, Happiness, Prosperity and Love.
Postcards are numbered34373-C to 34377-C
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on yellow-gold  background




1974. Surma. Series II. #34373-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34373-C




1974. Surma. Series II. #34374-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34374-C

1974. Surma. Series II. #34375-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34375-C

1974. Surma. Series II. #34376-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34376-C

1974. Surma. Series II. #34377-C
1974. Surma. Series II. #34377-C
6. Series 1
PublisherSurma Book and Music Store
Year 1974
Postcards are numberedone of the cards in the series is numbered 17191-C
Visual cuespostcard 17191-C has 6 pysanky photographed on blue background
(I found this image at http://www.artukraine.com/egg/postcard2.htm)
Missing from my collection all cards

http://www.artukraine.com/egg/postcard2.htm
7. Pysanky Jewellery
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1978
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian “Pysanky“ Jewellery. Ukrainian Easter Eggs are delicately cut and shaped, then specially treated to prevent shells from breaking and finally set into beautiful jewellery mounting to enhance the intricate designs of the original Pysanky
Visual cuespysanky designed by Ken J. Kinkiewich; photo by Con Boland



1978 Vegreville postcard. Pysanky Jewellery
1978. Vegreville. Pysanky Jewellery
8. A set of 6 cards
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1978
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverse“Pysanky” Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Intricately designed eggs, symbolic of life resurrected, are written in a traditional process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered1 to 6
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on linen background; photo by Con Boland
Missing from my collection #6
Available to trade #1, #2 and #5 (there is glue residue on the back and an ink mark on the face)



1978. Vegreville postcard #1
1978. Vegreville. #1

1978. Vegreville postcard #2
1978. Vegreville. #2


1978. Vegreville postcard #3
1978. Vegreville. #3


1978. Vegreville postcard #4
1978. Vegreville. #4


1978. Vegreville postcard #5
1978. Vegreville. #5

9. A set of 6 cards
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1981
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverse“Pysanky” Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Intricately designed eggs, symbolic of life resurrected, written in a traditional process passed down through generations are exquisitely displayed on authentically embroidered linen.
Postcards are numbered1 to 6
Missing from my collection #1 to #5
Available to trade #6



1981. Vegreville postcard. #6
1981. Vegreville. #6
10. Series 2
PublisherVegreville Floral Boutique Ltd., “Flowers and Ukrainian Gifts”, Box 748, Vegreville, Alberta, Canada T0B 4L0
Year 1981
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverse“Pysanky” Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Intricately designed eggs, symbolic of life resurrected, written in a traditional process passed down through generations are exquisitely displayed on authentically embroidered linen.
Postcards are numbered1 to 14
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on embroidered linen
Available to trade #3, #6, #7 (glue residue on reverse)



1981. Vegreville postcard. #1 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #1 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #2 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #2 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #3 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #3 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #4 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #4 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #5 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #5 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #6 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #6 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #7 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #7 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #8 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #8 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #9 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #9 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #10 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #10 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #11 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #11 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #12 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #12 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #13 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #13 of 14



1981. Vegreville postcard. #14 of 14
1981. Vegreville. #14 of 14
11. SERIES 1 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 217 East Hennepin, Minneapolis, Minn., M. Procai, L. Perchyshyn, J. Luciow
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down throgh generations.
Postcards are numberedpossibly C-004 to C-009
Visual cues Interestingly, the only card that I have C-006 depicts the same photo as 471018 listed in Section 12 below. Note the unique address of the publisher
Missing from my collection C-004, C-005, C-007, C-008 and C-009

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #C006 front
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #C006 front




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #C006 back
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #C006 back
12. SERIES 1 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn.
55418-3787
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered471017 to 471022
Visual cues6 pysanky photographed on white linen; cards have a white border
Available to trade 471017 to 471022




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471017
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471017

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471018 front
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471018 front

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471018 back
Ukrainian Gift Shop SERIES 1. #471018 back

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471019
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471019



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471020
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471020




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471021
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471021



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 1. #471022
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 1. #471022
13. SERIES 2 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn. , 55418-3787
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered471073 to 471078
Visual cuespostcards have a white border
Available to trade 471073 to 471078


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471073
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471073


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471074
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471074


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471075
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471075


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471076
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471076


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471077
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471077


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 2. #471078
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 2. #471078
14. SERIES 3 – a set of 7 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop, Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn. , 55418-3787
Year not shown
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs. Delicate Treasure of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered801122 to 801128
Visual cueseach card has a slightly different description (for example, 801122 and 801124 describe Trypilian Style – Neolithic Era, and others have discriminate use of the word “treasure” in singular or plural; 801124 is photographed on a red background, and the others on a yellow background; 801128 names M. Procai, L. Perchyshyn and J. Luciow
Available to trade 801124 to 801127



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801122
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801122


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801123
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801123

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801124
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801124




Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801125
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801125


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801126
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801126


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801127
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801127


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 3. #801128
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 3. #801128
15. SERIES 4 – a set of 6
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn., 55418
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs decorated by Luba Perchyshyn. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered101 to 106
Visual cuessingle pysanka photographed on green (101 and 102), red (103 and 105), and blue (104 and 106) background (discriminate pysanky displayed on egg stand in 102, 103, 105 and 106)
Available to trade #103 to #106


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #101
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #101

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #102
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #102

Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #103
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #103



Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #104
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #104


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #105
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #105


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 4. #106
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 4. #106
16. SERIES 5 – a set of 6 cards
PublisherUkrainian Gift Shop Inc., 2422 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, Minn. , 55418
Size5.5” x 3.5” (14 cm x 9 cm)
Description on reverseUkrainian Easter Eggs decorated by Luba Perchyshyn. Delicate Treasures of Art. Traditional symbols of life intricately implanted on the eggs by a process passed down through generations.
Postcards are numbered107 to 112
Visual cuessingle pysanka photographed with large-scale “shadow/reflective effect”
Missing from my collection 107, 108, 109, 110, and 112
Available to trade 111


Ukrainian Gift Shop postcard. SERIES 5. #111
Ukrainian Gift Shop. SERIES 5. #111
17. Canadian Museum of Civilization
PublisherMusée canadien des civilisations, 100, rue Laurier, C.P. 3100, succursale B, Hull (Québec) Canada J8X 4H2 / Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier Street, P.O. Box 3100, Station B, Hull, Quebec, Canada J8X 4H2
Size6.75” x 5”(17 cm x 13 cm)
Description on reverseOuefs de Pâques ukrainiens. Collection du Musée canadien des civilisations. / Ukrainian Easter eggs from the Canadian Museum of Civilization collection


Canadian Museum of Civilization postcard
Canadian Museum of Civilization
18. World’s Largest Pysanka
PublisherVegreville Chamber of Commerce
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverseWorld’s Largest Pysanka (Ukrainian Easter Egg) an Engineering Marvel, Located at Vegreville, Alberta, Canada. it was erected in honour of the Alberta R.C.M.P. 100th Anniversary (1874 – 1974). It spectacularly contrives to combine the ancient traditions of one of Alberta’s largest ethnic groups with architectural and geometrical developments that represent “break-throughs” in modern science, thus linking heritage and progress.  Dimensions: Length 25.7 ft. Width 18.3 ft. Height 31 ft. Weight 5000 lbs. Rotates with the wind
Visual cuesmonument photographed  by Holiday Photo, Vegreville, Alberta


Vegreville Chamber of Commerce postcard
Vegreville Chamber of Commerce
19. Artistic Representation
PublisherУкраїнський Інститут освітньої політики / Ukrainian Institute for Education, Inc., Zeppelinsstr. 67, 8 München 80
Size6” x 4” (15 cm x 10 cm)
Description on reverseВеликодні побашання переслідуваного автора з України / Easter Greetings from Ukraine by a Persecuted Artist
Artistic representation postcard
 
Whew! What a lot of numbers to post! If you find any errors or anomalies, please let me know.