Pillow Talk

“1,000 PILLOW PROJECT”

Alberta artist, Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn, is embarking on a new art project which she has titled “1000 Pillow Project.” Her aim is to gather 1,000 cushions/pillows (embroidered, woven or other handwork), or photographs thereof, and to create a painting and multi-media presentation of this massed collection. This project is part of her work towards her Master’s degree in Ukrainian Folklore at the University of Alberta, and would be part of her thesis presentation. She is kindly asking members of various organizations, who are willing, to help her amass such a collection, either by submitting to her the pillows/cushions themselves and/or photographs thereof. Many of these cushions/pillows have been in families for years, and many of them have a story to tell. Larisa would very much like to hear of these stories. She has a form which could be filled out, which would relate your pillow’s story. In a great many cases, the stories are long forgotten but Larisa would still like to see the pillow/cushion or photo thereof. She can be contacted directly at artbylarisa@shaw.ca.

More Ukrainian Summer Camps!

For an excellent experience with an excellent artist-educator, you just can't beat summer camp with Larisa!  She is a wonderful Canadian artist of Ukrainian ancestry whose career has blossomed - and I am not even exaggerating.  She loves flowers, and with her extensive knowledge of ancestral Ukrainian culture, folklore and folk remedies, she is able to convey multiple layers of meaning in her wonderful watercolor paintings.  Drama, subtle and sensitive images of moments in culture, moments in history, a social commentary that has brought her artistry acclaim and international recognition. Her beautiful art works hold a special place in private and corporate collections throughout North and South America, Australia, and Europe.

Exploring Ukrainian folklore through dance, drama, art and cooking, she has a unique message for all young people - don't you wish she would teach adults too? She is partnering with St. John's Institute in Edmonton to present summer day camps for children ages 6-12 this August.  Maybe it's time to visit family or friends in Edmonton for the week and register the kids for Art by Larisa's Ukrainian Summer Camp!