On April 6, the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Los Angeles hosted the annual Pysanka Festival, the largest spring event dedicated to Ukrainian Easter, organized by the Ukrainian Art Center. Hundreds of guests, dozens of performances, Easter egg hunts and charity events - all in the heart of Southern California.
Halyna Bond, director of the Ukrainian Art Center, Daria Tchaikovska, president of the Art Center, Asya Gorska, director of the Chervona Kalyna Dance Ensemble, and Angelika Heinka, founder of the Angels of Ukraine organisation, told Vilni Media.
"We created a real Ukrainian atmosphere in the centre of Los Angeles," the organisers said.
Indeed, the event was attended by more than 700 guests, including representatives of the diaspora, the local community and city residents interested in Ukrainian culture. About 120 artists and 35 vendors and organisations participated in the event.
The main highlight of the festival was a master class in Easter egg making led by artist Barbara Wetzel. Participants of all ages learned the art of painting Easter eggs while absorbing ancient Ukrainian symbols and traditions.
"The main aim of the festival was to familiarise the public with Ukrainian Easter traditions - the Easter egg painting workshop is very popular - and Ukrainian culture in general," said Halyna Bond.
The concert programme was equally impressive, featuring more than 120 artists. There were performances by the Chervona Kalyna dance ensemble (directed by Asya Horska), ranging from pre-schoolers to a professional group, the Synevir and Namysto bands, the Hraimo musical trio and the Blagovist Choir of St Andrew's Church (directed by Vsyudisvoya). And a number of singers.
Vocal performances by Asya Gorska and "Vsyudisvoya".
Вокальні виступи Асі Горської та “Всюдисвоя”.
Each performance elicited sincere applause and a sense of pride in Ukrainian culture that continues to resonate across the ocean.
The event was accompanied by a fair, where you could buy handmade products, embroidered shirts, toys, jewellery, souvenirs - all lovingly made by Ukrainian craftsmen. Ukrainian food and drink warmed the guests, while in the children's area, children made their own handbags, enjoyed sweets and art activities.
"I was very happy to be part of the Angels of Ukraine Foundation team
and to hold my own art workshop where everyone could create their own bag ornament using the ancient Ukrainian technique called "Vybiyka". Thanks to the Ukrainian Art Centre we have the opportunity to preserve, spread and pass on our culture through song, dance, traditions, creativity, crafts and art, even so far away from home," said artist Solomiya Boyko.
The festival's guest of honour was Los Angeles 13th District Representative Hugo Soto-Martinez, who showed his support for the Ukrainian community, the Angels of Ukraine charity fund, the Brighter Ukraine Foundation and the volunteers at the art centre.
"Angels of Ukraine was proud to participate in this event for the third year, and this year's festival was the largest ever - more than 1,500 visitors and about 50 vendors! Our stand was filled with joy and laughter, especially from the children who enjoyed cotton candy, sweets and Ukrainian souvenirs, a favourite art area where children could express their creativity. This year we also brought beautiful jewellery and held an activity where the children made their own artistic handbags! We were also very touched to receive a letter of appreciation from the Ukrainian Cultural Centre," said Angelika Heinka, founder of the Angels of Ukraine charity foundation.
All funds raised from the festival will be donated to help children, the elderly and animals in Ukraine.
"We are very grateful to the Ukrainian Art Center for organising such a powerful cultural event, as well as to everyone who came to our table, donated and expressed their support for Ukraine," said the Brighter Ukraine Foundation.
The Pysanka Festival is an annual event, so look forward to even more art, new bands and brighter workshops next year.
Photo: Angels of Ukraine, Brighter Ukraine Foundation
Author: Inna Mikhno