By Tyler Morgenstern, RCA Director of Marketing & Communication

Over the past couple of weeks, as the tragic conflict in Ukraine has escalated, we at the RCA have been reflecting on the many ways that Kelowna’s vibrant Ukrainian population enriches and enlivens our local arts and culture scene. With more than 14,000 Ukrainian-Canadians in the Central Okanagan alone, Ukrainian culture is a major component of our city’s artistic fabric. Through food, dance, song, and art, this tight-knit community shares the beauty and depth of Ukrainian culture, and our city is the better for it. 

At the RCA specifically, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate multiple times with the wonderful team at the Dolyna Ukrainian Cultural Society. Focusing primarily on traditional folk dance, but also working through music and the culinary arts, Dolyna celebrates Ukrainian tradition and builds cross-cultural understanding throughout the Valley. Led by the always friendly Diana and Peter Bihun, Dolyna provides instruction in Ukrainian folk dance to children, teens, and adults who showcase their talents at multiple public events and festivals throughout Kelowna every year. Every May, Dolyna mounts a special year-end show right here at the RCA. This is always a special event, and it’s an honour to have these talented performers grace the Mary Irwin Stage.

In 2021, we also had the opportunity to work with Dolyna as part of Kelowna Culture Days. Peter and Diana were gracious enough to show off their pyrohy- (perogi) and vareniki- (fried perogi) making skills during an episode of our Cultural Cuisine Web Series, shot on site in the RCA's prep kitchen. Chatting with special host Joe Otoo, Peter and Diana expertly demonstrate the proper way to fill, fold, and cook the perfect, potato-and-cheese-filled dumping, sprinkling in a few trade secrets and pronunciation lessons along the way. We’re so grateful to Dolyna for sharing their delectable expertise. You can view the whole episode below.

Now, with spring, Easter, and Ukrainian Orthodox Easter just around the corner, we’re teaming up with the team at Dolyna once again. On April 2, join us at the RCA for a special workshop where Peter and Diana will introduce the art of pysanky, showing you step-by-step how to create your own one-of-a-kind Ukrainian Easter egg.

One of the most iconic and recognizable forms of Ukrainian folk art, pysanky involves decorating hollow egg shells with elaborate geometric patterns using a traditional wax-resist batik method. Space is limited so don’t miss out on your chance to learn this wonderful artform from some of the leading lights of Kelowna’s Ukrainian community. We’re extremely grateful to count Dolyna among our partners and colleagues, and very proud to have the chance to showcase the beauty and richness of Ukrainian culture here at the RCA.