Ukrainian artist leads unique workshop in Steinbach

The Steinbach Arts Council hosted a Ukrainian art instructor for some special workshops on Saturday. 

Kateryna Kryvolap was teaching Petrykivka decorative painting, a traditional Ukrainian folk painting style that has played a spiritual role in people’s lives for centuries. 

She says there are a couple of things that set this type of art apart from other styles. 

“First of all, we use a cat brush. It’s unique too, it’s made from cat fur. We use it just in Petrykivka art.” 

Kryvolap says there is a lot of symbolism in this style of art, which is another reason why it’s unique. 

“Each flower, each leaf or bird, whatever we paint, it’s a symbol of something.” 

For example, the onion flower symbolizes health and prosperity. 

Kryvolap lived in Steinbach for three years after she left Ukraine, and now calls Calgary her home. 

Cat fur brushes are used in Ukrainian Petrykivka art.