Chicago's Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art marks 30th jubilee (12/02/01)

Chicago's Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art marks 30th jubilee

by Prof. Vira Bodnaruk

CHICAGO - October 5 was a joyous day at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) as it celebrated its 30th anniversary and honored two of its generous donors - Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union and 1st Security Ukrainian Federal Savings Bank of Chicago which were presented with the "Friend of the Institute Award."

The award, which was initiated eight years ago, is given to individuals or institutions that have enabled the UIMA to maintain its high standards in presenting contemporary art exhibits, concerts and literary evenings.

In his welcoming remarks Oleh Kowerko, long-time UIMA president, noted that the institute owes its existence to people with a vision in Chicago's Ukrainian community, who wanted to showcase, in an appropriate setting, the work of Ukrainian artists, writers and musicians to the community at large. He noted that whereas in the past the benefactors of Ukrainian culture were hetmans, civic and church leaders and private individuals, today they are bank presidents, entrepreneurs and professional individuals who put great value on creativity in its various manifestations and support the arts financially.

The coordinator of the evening, Vira Bodnaruk, read congratulatory proclamations from the Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Rep. Rod R. Blagojevich. This was followed by the presentation of special citations to the president of 1st Security Bank, Julian Kulas, and to the CEO of Selfreliance, Bohdan Watral.

Congratulations on behalf of Ukraine were presented to UIMA by the consul general of Ukraine in Chicago, Dr. Borys Bazylewsky.

The "Friend of the Institute" award was presented by Mr. Kowerko and president of the UIMA board Vera Chreptowsky, who with her late husband, Dr. Achille Chreptowsky, was the founder of the institute 30 years ago.

After accepting the award on behalf of Selfreliance, Mr. Watral presented a check for $10,000 to the UIMA. Dr. Kulas, receiving the award on behalf of the 1st Security Bank, also made a donation of $10,000 to the institute. The funds received will be used toward the publication of UIMA's catalogue of its permanent collection, which will be sent to the leading libraries and art museums in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This important project has a budget of $45,000 and needs further donations.

After an elegant dinner there was a slide presentation by the photographer Tania D'Avignon of Boston, whose latest work came out as the book "Simply Ukraine." Ms. D'Avignon's photography was also on exhibit at the Institute, concurrent with the UIMA's festivities.

The evening drew to a close with music by the young jazz band headed by Tunia Markewych called Tunia and Jazz Solution.

At the close of the benefit banquet Mrs. Chreptowsky thanked the guests for their moral and financial support of the UIMA. Donations, which are tax-exempt, may be sent to: Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622.

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