BRAMA, June 15, 2004, 9:00 am ET
Press Release
A Canadian Treasure, Now Available to the Public
The Kurelek Campaign for Care to enhance the quality of life of our seniors.
Our Lady of St. Demetrius
William Kurelek
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Toronto, Ontario — Ukrainian Canadian artist William Kurelek was a deeply passionate and religious man who expressed his faith in many ways, namely his spiritual paintings, his advocacy for social issues and his many charitable works. It was his generous, selfless nature that provoked him to create a one of a kind Icon for the community of St Demetrius, Toronto, for use in their fundraising initatives. Twenty seven years later, the parish will now use this magnificent art treasure to raise funds for the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre (UCCC), a unique and culturally sensitive long-term care facility in Toronto.
The Kurelek Campaign for Care has already garnered huge interest from the community. For a $2,000 donation to theUCCC, donors will receive a numbered limited edition lithograph on acid-free paper, of Kurelek's Icon: Our Lady of St. Demetrius. They will also receive a tax receipt for $2000, and a Certificate of Authenticity boasting the Kurelek estate seal. This is a first come first serve campaign, with a limited print run of only 500. Donors are encouraged to act quickly so they will not be disappointed. For further information on receiving a print please contact the the UCCC Development Office by phone: 416 243 7653 ext. 224 or visit our website at www.stdemetrius.ca.
The Icon, which Kurelek named, "Our Lady of St. Demetrius" in respect of his Ukrainian heritage, was kept safely in the archives of the church until recently when a niche was built and the Icon was proudly displayed for the public to enjoy. Kurelek created more than 3,000 portraits, predominantly of the Prairie landscapes of his childhood, during his short lifetime but just one Icon, 'Our Lady of St. Demetrius'. He died of cancer shortly after, on November 3rd, 1977.
About the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre (UCCC)
Founded in 1996, the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre, "The Home with a Heart" serves seniors in the Ukrainian Canadian community and continues to be an innovative leader in long-term care. We are known for engaging programs and services
underscored by a high degree of professionalism and fiscal responsibility. The UCCC is respectful of the cultural and spiritual needs of everyone we serve. Residents enjoy excellent individualised care and the best of Ukraine heritage and culture.
William Kurelek
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About William Kurelek
Through the hand of William Kurelek, prairie farm scenes and landscapes came to life. Born in 1927 to Ukrainian immigrant farmers, Kurelek grew up during the Great Depression on farms in Alberta and Manitoba. He developed his unique style of outlining with a ballpoint pen, using coloured pencils for texture and adding details in pen. He won the New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Book Award and the Canadian Association of Children's Librarians Illustrators Award. His best-known religious series is the 160 panels of "The Passion of Christ" which is currently housed in the Niagara Falls Art Gallery. Kurelek created more than 3,000 paintings during his short lifetime but just one Icon, 'Our Lady of St. Demetrius'. He died of cancer on November 3rd, 1977.
For further information on the Kurelek Campaign for Care or to set up media interviews, please contact:
Michael Poliwoda, Campaign Director, UCCC, 416.243.7653 ext. 231
e-mail: mpoliwoda@stdemetrius.ca
Sharyn Byrne-Nearing, Media Relations, UCCC, Cell: 416.574.7427
e-mail: snearing@fundingmatters.com
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