Southcentre Mall

Meet the artists behind 50 pysanky eggs located throughout Centre Court. The artists were supported by pysanky master and lead artist for the campaign, Daena Diduck.

1. Daena Diduck– Since childhood, Daena Diduck has mastered the traditional Ukrainian art of pysanky, learning the intricate craft of decorating Easter eggs, a skill enriched by her education in a Ukrainian Bilingual program and deeply rooted in her family’s heritage from western Ukraine. Her journey took her to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon, where she shared her knowledge through teaching and showcased her work, furthering her role as a cultural ambassador. Relocating to Calgary in 2005, Daena expanded her impact by teaching in schools, participating in cultural festivals, and demonstrating her art at various community events. Her renowned pysanky have been featured in exhibits from Calgary to Edmonton and even led her to Ukraine as part of a special artist tour. Plans for her to return in 2020 for an exhibition in Kolomyia, aimed at highlighting North American Pysanky, underscore her significant contributions to preserving and celebrating Ukrainian art and culture across continents.
2. Anna and Viktoria – Anna and Viktoria, both imbued with the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture from their birth, have found solace and expression in the art of pysanky. Anna, who has made Alberta her home for over eight years, carries with her the memories and traditions of her Ukrainian heritage. Viktoria, a more recent arrival, continues her studies in electrical engineering while being miles away from home, her heart tethered to Ukraine. Together, with the assistance of local Calgary artist Morgan Cupido, they pour their shared experiences of loss, hope, and the longing for peace into their artwork, “Eir.” Their collaboration is a profound reflection of the collective Ukrainian soul—mourning yet hopeful, grounded in the rich soil of their homeland yet reaching towards a future filled with peace and prosperity.
3. Group of Wives and Daughters of Fallen Ukrainian Soldiers – United by loss and driven by resilience, this group of women finds a unique voice through “Kalyna.” Their journey from the depths of personal tragedy to the establishment of new roots in Alberta is a poignant narrative of strength and survival. Drawing on a 17th-century Cossack poem, their artwork symbolizes the unyielding spirit of Ukraine’s quest for independence, weaving together their personal stories of sorrow and steadfast hope for their nation’s future. Their collaboration stands as a testament to the power of collective healing and the enduring legacy of love and sacrifice.
4. Irene Demchuk – Irene’s artistic journey is a quest for identity and belonging, navigating the spaces between her Ukrainian heritage and a broader, more inclusive narrative. As a block printer and digital artist, she finds muses in the sunflower fields of Ukraine and the bold colors of its flag, symbols that speak of peace, resilience, and renewal. Her pysanka, “RESILIENCE,” is more than an artistic endeavor; it’s a narrative of rebirth and undying hope, akin to the sunflower that rises anew each year, steadfast in its gaze upon the sun.
5. Iryna Pidburtna – Iryna, who brought the whispers of Cherkassy’s winds with her to Calgary in 2019, crafts her pysanky as a bridge between generations, a link between her new home and the heritage she cherishes.Raised to cherish Ukrainian culture and traditions, she sees them as important parts of patriotism and national dignity. Notably, she made her own Vyshyvanka (embroidered shirt) and wedding rushnyk.
6. Lyle Rietze – Lyle, affectionately dubbed “Ukrainian by marriage,” brings to the pysanka tradition a fusion of his professional skills in drafting and graphic arts and his personal journey through the vibrant Ukrainian community. His participation in “Pysanky for Peace” for a second year is a celebration of cultural heritage and personal commitment, reflecting the community’s vibrant life and the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that he has come to embrace and honor. SLAVA UKRAINI!
7. Phaedra Vandenbrun – As a mixed-media artist, Phaedra explores the intersection of folklore, the supernatural, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her work pays homage to Maria Prymachenko, a beacon of Ukrainian folk art, weaving Prymachenko’s legacy of resilience and creativity into her own narrative. Phaedra’s pysanka is a vibrant declaration of the enduring spirit of Ukrainian culture, a testament to the unbreakable will of a people in the face of adversity.
8. Tatianna O’Donnell – Tatianna, whose roots trace back to the vibrant cultural landscape of Montreal’s Ukrainian community, blends the fluidity of dance with the expressive strokes of her paintbrush. Her non-traditional approach to pysanky is a dance of colors and forms, paying tribute to the sunflower’s enduring symbolism in Ukrainian culture. Her artwork is an intuitive exploration of heritage and identity, a canvas where the past and present coalesce in a celebration of Ukrainian spirit.
9. Kourtney Robinson – Kourtney, a Calgarian with a passion for the tangible warmth of textiles and the rhythmic patterns of knitting, finds in pysanky a reflection of shared values and interconnected histories. Her artwork delves into the cycles of growth and renewal, the shared agricultural legacies of Canada and Ukraine, and the universal yearning for peace. Through her creative process, Kourtney weaves together a narrative of unity and hope, highlighting the deep, enduring connections between communities.
10.  Genevieve Whiteley – With fifteen years dedicated to the art of egg decorating, Genevieve brings to her pysanky a palette of joy and optimism. Her creation, “NEON RAINBOW,” is a vibrant expression of her personal artistic journey, a journey marked by a quest for light and color in every aspect of life. Her work is an ode to the possibilities of hope and the power of art to bring joy into the darkest of times.
11.  Tracy Smith – Tracy, inspired by the dedication of her friend Daena Diduck to Ukrainian traditions, has embraced the art of pysanky with a spirit of exploration and joy. Her decade-long journey with pysanky unfolds on a larger canvas this year, blending the themes of spring, hope, and whimsy into a celebration of life and renewal. Tracy’s work is a vibrant reminder of the power of community and the joy that comes from shared artistic endeavor.
12.  Cathy Reitz – A lifelong Calgarian and a vibrant member of the Ukrainian community, Cathy’s engagement with pysanky and Ukrainian dance is a reflection of her deep commitment to her heritage. Her pysanka, “РУЖА” (Star), is not just an artistic creation; it’s a symbol of vitality and health, a vibrant expression of her dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural traditions that have shaped her life.
13.  Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers Society – School of Dance – This Calgary-based charity, through the hands of Tara Schweigert, a dedicated parent and board member, offers a pysanka inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit. Their contribution is a celebration of courage, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the strength that lies in unity and shared cultural heritage.
14.  Jon Ball (“JB”) – Jon discovered his passion for pysanky in 2019 through a community workshop in Calgary. What started as a casual interest quickly grew into a fervent hobby, with Jon creating several pysanky each year, culminating in his dedication to crafting them year-round by 2021. Residing in Banff, Alberta, Jon draws inspiration from his picturesque surroundings, often exploring the natural beauty of the area with his partner Susan and their dog, Panque (affectionately known as Pancake). His latest design, the largest he has undertaken to date, is inspired by the energy and warmth of the spring thaw observed while crafting a pysanka during the late snows of April 2023. This piece reflects Jon’s optimism and the rejuvenating power of the changing seasons, embodying the transition from the cold of winter to the promise of spring’s warmth and renewal.
15.  Christine Knights- Born and raised in Calgary with Ukrainian heritage on both sides, was introduced to pysanky at a young age and has cherished the craft ever since. Over the years, she has shared her passion by teaching students of various ages. Her eggs have been featured in private collections and have garnered awards, including at the Calgary Stampede. Christine’s work spans from tiny pullet eggs to grand 2-foot pysanky, showcasing traditional symbols and vibrant colors that convey themes of light, happiness, and the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit. Her piece “Strength and Courage” is inspired by the bravery of the Ukrainian people and her daughter’s efforts to aid those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
16.  Inna Thakur- Originally from Ukraine, Inna has lived in several countries before making Canada her home, embracing the culture of our diverse globe with Ukraine deep in her heart and soul. Her art is a blend of colors, dry flowers, and diverse techniques, and her creations are her childhood memories, aspirations, and prayers for peace. Inna wants to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. She has no fears about making changes for the creation that has a life of its own.
17.  Vykrutas School of Ukrainian Dance– Their mission is to preserve and share Ukrainian heritage and culture through the joy of dance. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Vasyl Kanevets, their approach highlights the Ukrainian spirit, presenting traditional folk dances that have been cherished for generations. Their dedication and hard work have garnered recognition and awards both in Canada and Ukraine, propelling them to pursue excellence continually. Welcoming students from ages 3 to adulthood, Vykrutas has become a second home for many, fostering a sense of community and belonging. They extend an invitation to all, encouraging individuals to join them in experiencing the joy and communal spirit of sharing Ukrainian dance. They were guided by Adrianna Snihura.
18.  Sadochok- Offers Calgary’s only accredited bilingual Ukrainian/English preschool and daycare program, catering to children aged 2 to 5 years. The program, run by highly skilled staff, focuses on teaching life skills in a safe and comfortable environment to prepare children for kindergarten, utilizing age-appropriate methods for literacy, numeracy, music, and art. The facility boasts large indoor and secure outdoor play areas for self-guided play and social interaction, along with field trips and special activities throughout the term. Sadochok is a non-profit organization licensed by Alberta Child and Family Services and is operated with the help of parent volunteers. They were guided by Adrianna Snihura.
19.  Oleksandr Lyalyuk – He is a contemporary, self-taught Ukrainian artist and muralist renowned for his work on canvases and both interior and exterior walls. His artistry is brought to life using oil, acrylic, and spray paint, gaining recognition within local art communities in Ukraine and from the famous Ukrainian Iconographer Christina Dochwat in the USA. Despite his professional career, his passion for painting persisted, leading him to create murals and paintings and undertake commercial and residential painting projects in various decorative styles. In 2017, Oleksandr immigrated to Canada as a skilled worker under an immigration program and secured a job offer as a commercial painter and decorator. His talent and skill earned him a nomination from Saskatchewan as a skilled painter, allowing him to live and work in Canada permanently. Entrusted with complex and creative tasks, he has painted helicopter landing pads for Moose Jaw hospital and designed murals on exterior building walls, showcasing his artistic versatility and innovative approach to painting.
20.   Jonty- Created his egg, drawing inspiration from his import business, about which he is very passionate. All items his business sells are ethically sourced and handmade in South Africa using authentic shweshwe fabric. His South African background introduced him to this special material. Participating in Pysanka was crucial for him to demonstrate solidarity with those fighting in Ukraine and with his friends who have suffered during the past two years of war. Along with this egg, he also presents two summer bucket hats produced by his business, Katiba Shweshwe.
21.   Anastasiia Khodnia- Is an artist and illustrator. Anastasiia is an artist who constantly experiments with techniques and styles. She plans to incorporate traditional elements of Ukrainian decorative painting in future works. Anastasiia takes part in charity and volunteer projects in the Calgary Ukrainian community. Anastasiia is from Poltava in Ukraine. In her pysanka “Poltava”, she wanted to show the still not widely known Poltava region painting style in her own way.
22.   Eugenia Richardson- Grew up in a traditional Ukrainian family and has taught pysanky at schools and community functions across Southern Alberta for over 40 years. In schools, she primarily worked with grades 2 and 3, teaching the meaning of pysanky and guiding each student in creating their own. Now, she makes pysanky to share with family and friends.
23.   Christie Teterenko- originally from outside Winnipeg, MB, relocated to Calgary in 2005 and has since been an active member of Calgary’s Ukrainian community. She engages others in Ukrainian traditions through dance, singing, pysanky writing, and presentations on Ukrainian history in Calgary. With nearly 15 years of experience in pysanky writing, Christie appreciates the meticulous and reflective process involved in creating these traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs.
24.   Anastaiia Liubymova, Vitaliy Podleskyy and Tanya Sotnikow- Vitaliy Podleskyy is formerly from Mykolaiv, Ukraine and Tanya Sotnikow a local Calgary Artist. Their pysanka is inspired by the Kociv Ceramic pottery in Western Ukraine, both functional and decorative. Symbols may be based on leaves, flowers, animals, dots and geometric patterns. Designs are usually quite simple in green, gold and umber glaze on an ecru background. There is beauty in the pottery as the coloured glazes interact, spread and bleed. Their pysanka is inspired by pieces in private collections and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Calgary Collection.

Be part of this meaningful cause by visiting us and experiencing the breathtaking display in the lower level of centre court. This year, you can directly contribute through donations for these magnificent pieces, with all proceeds supporting WUNDERfund and the incredible work they do for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

WUNDERfund will be available at the display, selling merchandise from Thursday to Sunday during mall hours. Additionally, merchandise can be purchased at any time from at the following locations:

• Think Stunning (upper level by the food court)
• Motive Art Academy (upper level by Softmoc)
• Wild Sage Boutique (lower level by Guest Services)