THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Museum has opened a new community-led exhibit that organizers said embodies the physical expressions of cultural traditions.
Ukrainian Matrix is open from April 10 to Sept. 8. It was organized by coordinators Catchy Paroschy Harris and Stefan Huzan to tell the story of triumph when overcoming the various conflicts and oppression that Ukrainian people have experienced throughout history.
“It's the mothers and the babushkas that have taught and passed on the Ukrainian traditions - they keep the flame burning and alive,” said Huzan.
“This show is about those objects that embody that culture and, for example, there are . . . 3,000-year-old Tapillian designs that continue to be used today."
The exhibit will also feature child- and adult-specific workshops throughout the summer that teach Ukrainian artistry passed down through generations, such as embroidery, Pysanky or Ukrainian Easter eggs, and Ukrainian wedding bread decoration crafting.
A special presentation will also be given in August that will highlight the contributions of significant people to the community of Ukrainian descent.
"The exhibit goes on for six months and there's a lot of information with every artifact. We suggest that people give themselves enough time to read the little stories about the items, where they came from, who brought them, and who made them," said Huzan.
A large portion of the exhibit is made up of artifacts donated by Thunder Bay families.
Scott Bradley, the museum's executive director, said this exhibit is the perfect start to their new community partnership, a new addition to the museum with the goal of allowing guest curators to use their own voice.
“We'd really like to say thank you to the exhibit coordinators on this project, Cathy Paroschy Harris, Stephen Huzan, and Orysia Romaniuk,” he said.
“We really appreciate all their time, dedication and there are many other volunteers of course. All the folks who loaned their personal property to be part of this exhibit, it really helped make it something very special.”
More information on the exhibit can be found on the museum’s website.
