"A POINT OF VIEW"
An Art Exhibition by
ORYST SAWCHUK
Museum Reception

The Taras H. Shevchenko Museum in Toronto opened its most recent exhibit on September 20 with a wine-and-cheese reception. The exhibit of Oryst Sawchuk's artworks was several years in the planning, and its opening-day reception was well-attended by a sizable crowd of supporters, as well as by Ukrainian Consul General Oleksandr Danyleiko. Also attending was a past Dean of Architecture of Ryerson University, Mr. Jules Paivio. Mr. Paivio was a great hero of the 1930's, having volunteered at the age of 19 to fight against the General Franco fascists in the Spanish Civil War.

Oryst Sawchuk's exhibit itself contained several anti-war pieces, including "Dogs Of War" (a mixed media drawing), and "War Is Not The Answer" (a pen-and-ink watercolour). A local television reporter and a camera-man from the Ukrainian-Canadian program "Svitohlad" filmed the proceedings. Interviews given by Oryst during the afternoon touched on some of the themes which were reflected in his exhibit. In addition to his obvious anti-war stance (already mentioned), he also felt that his art was strongly infused with the love of, and concern for, his fellow man ("humanism" is the term he used).

Master of Ceremonies at the reception was Museum President William Harasym, while Museum Curator Lyudmyla Pogoryelova gave the key address in introducing the exhibit.

An author's copy of the "Vitayemo" - Donovan Welcome watercolour is on silent auction sale till March 10, 2010. It is an original, 14.5 inches wide by 13 inches high, professionally framed and double matted item. It has a reserved bid of $75.00. You can email your bid alone with your name and contact information at shevchenkomuseum@bellnet.ca

Oryst Sawchuk, "Vitayemo" - Donovan Welcome. Pencil, watercolour