One of the crowning events in an artist’s life is a one-person exhibit of their art.
And so, it came to pass for me. The opening reception of my exhibit titled “Dzvinka Hayda—Weaver of Stories” was held on September 13th, 2024, at the Ukrainian Museum-Archives of Cleveland, Ohio. The artwork was on exhibit until November 1st.
The exhibit was composed of four themed artworks. On the first wall were paintings from each of my books: “Little Angel’s Journey”, Natalia’s Journey to the Land of the Fairies”, “ Dzvinya’s Gift for Mama-A Ukrainian Story”, and “The Legend of the Dipper.”Each book was represented by four illustrations highlighting the characters and their environment: a descending Rainbow Bridge amongst heavenly clouds, the golden gate to an enchanted fairyland, the interior of a Ukrainian homestead, and a night sky with a glimmering dipper.
The main wall featured Ukrainian themes, all painted while I was raising my children. It was challenging to paint during the day, so after all was said and done and everything was in its place, including the children in bed, I would paint into the night while sitting on the floor. Because it was also challenging to shop for art materials, I tore bed sheets and used them as canvases. One painting was of a bucolic view of a river with a mother holding her two small children. The painting “A Ukrainian Village is Like a Pysanka” stems from a line from Taras Shevchenko’s poem “Knyazha.”
On the opposite wall were artworks based on Ukrainian songs and stories. “On the Eve of St. John’s/Na Ivana Kupala” depicts the ancient celebration of the Spring Solstice with a young maiden sitting by the riverside while setting her flower wreath afloat. The painting “Tsyhanka Aza” is based on a tragic love story of two gypsies. The painting “Marichka”represents a well-known Ukrainian folk song, as does the painting “Cheremshyna,” which portrays a Ukrainian girl as a kalyna (guilder rose). The painting “Rusalky” illustrates the fascinating belief in Ukrainian mermaids, who differ from Western mermaids by not having fishtails but long, sinuous hair and enticing voices.
The fourth wall had a series of angels: “The Winter Angel,”” Three Sister Angels,” “Night Angel, “and “Spring Angel,” which portrays Lesia Ukrayinka’s poem “ Bygone Spring.”
The most poignant painting, “Ptashka— Songbird of Mariupol,” is in honor of Kateryna Polishchuk, a vocal student, who upon the start of the Russian war on Ukraine, joined forces as a paramedic to nurse wounded freedom fighters. She was in hiding at the Azovtal steel plant throughout the 82-day siege until it fell to the Russians. During the siege, she sang to the soldiers, so they named her Ptashka/ Little Bird. There were rumors that she did not survive. But after spending five months in captivity, Kateryna was released in September 2022.
The museum president, Dr. Taras Mahlay, gave the opening remarks at the reception. He warmly welcomed those in attendance. A cordial atmosphere ensued, ending with a tasty snack outdoors on the patio.
I extend my gratitude to all who were instrumental in hosting this exhibit:
Thank you to the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Archives Museum of Cleveland, to Aniza Kraus for making the transition from Michigan to Ohio easy, to my children, who helped in a myriad of ways and who packed and transported the artwork and to Walter Ciszkewycz for his magic touch in hanging the exhibit. Much gratitude goes to John Nagridge for his skills in designing the exhibit catalog, posters, and media ads.
The colorful and uplifting exhibit brought a little respite from the constant worry for Ukraine during the ravaging war that Russia is perpetrating.
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