Gather at the Gallery: Cultural Connections (55+) Talk and Tasting

In this highlight of Ukraine, learn about Petrykivka painting from local artist Olena Chrona followed by a tasting of Ukrainian food!

Please note that there is a limit of two tickets per person. This measure is in place to promote a more equitable ticket purchasing experience for everyone. 10% member discounts cannot be applied to Gather at the Gallery, Youth Guild, Claytime or Glasstime.

Join us for a talk and tasting with Ukraninan artist Olena Chrona! In this artist talk, Olena will speak about Petrykivka painting, a UNESCO-recognized Ukrainian Folk Art & her practice. Following the talk, a tasting of delicious Ukranian dishes will be delivered by Nataliia Shyshkivska, cook & owner of De Varenyk.

Be sure to join us for the follow up workshop on May 29 where you will put your new knowldge to paractice!

About Gather at the Gallery

Gather at the Gallery is an event presented twice a month specifically for the 55+ community. This program provides opportunities to express your own creativity through a variety of hands on workshops, meet artists and hear their stories, or preview new exhibitions. Gather at the Gallery is generously sponsored by the Governemnt of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program.

About Olena Chorna

"I am Olena Chorna, a Canadian artist with roots in Dnipro City, Ukraine. In my childhood, I found joy in observing nature and painting en plein air. After being accepted into the Academy of Fine Arts, I studied art history, sculpture, drawing, and painting in various media and techniques for four years, graduating with Honours in Fine Art.

I began my teaching journey at the age of 16, shortly after graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts. I was hired as an art instructor to teach art classes at a summer camp. Since then, I've been passionate about teaching both children and adults, guiding them on their artistic paths.

Upon graduating from the Art Academy, I pursued architecture at Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, all while continuing my passion for teaching art classes and doing my own original artwork in painting, drawing, and sculpture. My extensive travels, both within the former Soviet Union and abroad, fueled my artistic inspiration.

I also learned one-stroke painting, a phenomenon of Ukrainian ornamental folk art called Petrykivka, which has its roots in the village of Petrykivka in the Dnipro Region of Ukraine. I studied under its masters and fell in love with its centuries-old charm. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Petrykivka decorative painting is more than just art; it represents a cultural legacy of Ukraine.

My mission is not only to provide education in Fine Art but also to introduce Petrykivka decorative painting to the Waterloo Region community and beyond, helping people discover the uniqueness of this one-stroke Ukrainian folk art. Embracing the rich artistic heritage of Petrykivka, I am excited to showcase my original artwork and offer art classes and workshops for all ages on this subject for any occasion. This ornamental style can be applied to canvas, paper, ceramics, or glass items such as bowls, vases, and cups, as well as wooden objects , Christmas ornaments and much more. Each piece serves as a testament to the beauty and uniqueness of this traditional Ukrainian decorative art.

I invite you to bring a piece of this cultural richness into your home with my original creations, where each brushstroke narrates a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Gather at the Gallery is an event presented twice a month specifically for the 55+ community. This program provides opportunities to express your own creativity through a variety of hands on workshops, meet artists and hear their stories, or preview new exhibitions. Gather at the Gallery is generously sponsored by the Governemnt of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program.