Peter Shostak supports UCAMA with gift of limited-edition prints (11/19/06)

Peter Shostak supports UCAMA with gift of limited-edition prints

EDMONTON, Alberta - The Ukrainian Canadian Archives and Museum of Alberta (UCAMA) is the recipient of a gift of 36 limited-edition prints from the nationally acclaimed artist Peter Shostak to sell in support of fund-raising efforts for its new facility to be located on Jasper Avenue. This represents the initial instalment of a pledge of $100,000 worth of prints.

The donation is part of the continued support by Mr. Shostak. Two years ago, at UCAMA's 30th anniversary banquet on October 23, 2004, Mr. Shostak announced his intent to donate his entire personal archives to UCAMA, as well as an example of every print he has ever created for UCAMA's permanent art collection. Dr. Alexander Makar, curator of UCAMA, enthused "This is a major donation by a singularly important Ukrainian Canadian artist. We couldn't be more pleased."

Mr. Shostak was born and raised on a farm in northeastern Alberta. His early interest in art inspired him to major in art at the University of Alberta. In 1969 he obtained a graduate degree in art education and then took a teaching position at the University of Victoria. He remained there as associate professor of art education until 1979, when he decided to leave teaching and pursue a career as an artist, devoting all of his time to painting and silkscreen printing.

Much of Mr. Shostak's art reflects his memories of growing up on the prairies during the late 1940s and 1950s. In the introduction to "For Our Children," W.D. Valgardson states, "In his life and his art, Peter Shostak depicts what it means to be Canadian. He honors the memory of all our past lives." The prints being offered by UCAMA include "Baba, watch me dance" and "Do you think we will be able to stay and visit after church?" Other prints such as "Hornby Island Spring" reflect his latter work. A total of 17 different images is being offered.

In 2003 Mr. Shostak received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his exemplary contribution to Canada. Most major cities in Canada have repeatedly hosted exhibitions of his work over the past several years, and he has completed many commissioned paintings and serigraphs for individuals, organizations and major corporations.

UCAMA President Khrystia Kohut noted "We are honored that Mr. Shostak has decided to support our capital fund-raising project with this gift. The prints were specifically donated for us to sell. The timing is ideal for Christmas. We hope that our many supporters will take this opportunity to purchase the work of such a major Ukrainian Canadian artist as Peter Shostak."

The prints range in value from $150 to $350 and may be viewed and ordered on the UCAMA website at UCAMA.com or at the museum at 9543 110th Ave. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

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