Artistry of Vasyl H. Krychevsky focus of museum event (04/16/00)

Artistry of Vasyl H. Krychevsky focus of museum event

by Adriana Leshko

NEW YORK - Continuing a cultural renaissance begun with last year's archeological lectures and continued with January's successful inaugural "malanka," The Ukrainian Museum recently held another in what will hopefully become an ongoing series of festive and informative events aimed at incorporating young people into the fabric of museum life.

"An Evening to Celebrate Vasyl H. Krychevsky," held Friday, March 24, at The Ukrainian Museum, was organized by the museum's newly formed Public Relations Committee of Young Professionals and inspired by the exceptional exhibition of the seminal artist's work that was closing that same weekend.

The mood of the evening, which featured a gallery talk by Dr. Myroslava M. Mudrak, associate art history professor at Ohio State University, was in keeping with the intimate nature of the luminous small-scale paintings featured in the show. Although the turnout for the evening exceeded the museum's expectations, Dr. Mudrak managed to keep her discussion informal as well as informative by encouraging audience participation throughout and by physically leading viewers around the beautifully hung gallery.

While her remarks ranged over a vast array of material, from placing Krychevsky in his historical and artistic context to providing biographical information and offering cogent formal analysis of his works, Dr. Mudrak's infectious enthusiasm and rare gift for synthesizing information ensured that every topic dovetailed fluidly with the next. Viewers were thereby involved in a lively and engaging intellectual give and take, and their appreciation and enthusiasm were evident throughout the evening.

After the presentation, the audience - composed largely of young professionals, many of them in the creative and media fields - moved downstairs to the second floor for a wine and cheese reception. The energy of the crowd was high as people met old friends and made new ones.

At a critical time for the museum, as it transforms itself both physically (through a location change) and through an outreach program aimed at diversifying its audience, the event was more than just a pleasant evening's diversion. It was a clear and positive sign that the museum stands poised at the turn of the millennium to become a vibrant cultural center for a younger generation of art enthusiasts. Of course, to do that requires a dedication commensurate with that of the previous generations that built and sustained the museum over the years.

To become involved or to simply find out more about the Public Relations Committee of Young Professionals, please contact Marta Baczynsky at The Ukrainian Museum: telephone (212) 228-0110; or e-mail, UkrMus@ aol.com.

Ms. Leshko works in the Features Department at Harper's Bazaar, and writes on culture and fashion for that and a vareity of other outlets, including Nylon Magazine and Citysearch.com.

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