Ukrainian-Polish artist in Montreal helping her community back home

These creations are part of the “life” exhibition,” where the Montreal community is raising funds to help those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukrainian artists, including the event’s founder and stained glass master, Galyna Boichuk, are lending their talents and art at the Terrasse Royale Hotel until December 14th.

“In 2009, we came here as a family of four. My mom, me, my sister, my brother. And she immediately opened her business here,” explained Veronika Chychkova, Boichuk’s Daughter. “That business contained two parts. One part was the production of stained glass and another was teaching stained glass. 

“She’s very artistically gifted, and she’s very inclined into that direction. We studied Canada, we studied Quebec, and we studied Montreal, and we know that it’s a city of churches, it’s a city of beautiful stained glass and churches, like high up, close to God, and she wanted to kind of leave her imprint here in Montreal.”

After seeing much success with large commissions in Ukraine and Montreal, Boichuk’s health took a turn – she suffered a stroke that would affect her language ability.

It kind of reinforced her desire to produce more art, and you can certainly see it in some of the pieces, they are darker and more somber and contemplative,” said Chychkova. “Now, as you can see, more pieces are vibrant, and colourful, there’s butterflies and flowers and a nice sunny bright autumn, so I feel like we’re coming out of this period.”

Meanwhile, with the ongoing war and family still abroad, Boichuk is doing all she can to continue her art while sending at least 30 per cent of each sale to help those back home.

“The river is basically the only thing that separates our family from the war right now. But they hear the rockets are flying every day. There are sirens warning you to get inside and to get shelter a few times per day. When we have conversations over the phone, we hear it clearly. It’s harrowing,” said Chychkova.

“Here in Canada we have a huge diaspora of Ukrainians, and we thought immediately that we need to somehow help get the message across.”

The exhibition is presented by the Ukrainian Newcomers’ Centre – where visitors can take master classes in painting across different styles.

“One of the big things that is beautiful about this space and about this exhibition is that a lot of the people coming in are not necessarily just Ukrainian,” said Boris Leyfer, Ukrainian Newcomers’ Centre Spokesperson & Montreal Russian Community Journalist.

“You have Montrealers of all races, creeds, and ethnicities, it doesn’t matter, everyone is welcome here, everyone is welcome, who wants to come, who wants to support, who wants to help people in a time of need.”