Leonard Krawchuk is a leading collector of Ukrainian folk art. He was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba. There, he participated in the choir of the Ukrainian Catholic church and its dance group. He eventually 

took over dance instruction at both his and the Orthodox church. His efforts to learn more about Ukrainian culture led to a trip to Winnipeg supported by William Perepiluk. In Winnipeg, Krawchuk benefited greatly from the library and cultural resources. Krawchuk stayed in Winnipeg, where he received nursing training and secured employment. He was intensely curious about Ukrainian culture and took two trips to Soviet Ukraine and one to Ukraine when it became independent. These trips were both deeply emotional and very difficult. 

During the first of these visits, Krawchuk was permitted to enter only major cities. Starting with the second, he arranged to visit the countryside, including his ancestral villages. Throughout, he benefited from people who shared his deep love for Ukrainian culture and helped him build the contacts he needed, which he has maintained.

Collecting the Remarkable /
AN AFTERNOON with LEONARD KRAWCHUK

Leonard shares captivating stories from his many years of collecting cultural heritage objects. You will learn about the origins of his collection, how he obtained permission to travel through Ukrainian villages at a time when the Soviet regime strictly forbade such travel for members of the diaspora, and the hidden histories preserved in these objects. Leonard also discusses his decision to donate his collection to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch, in Toronto.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear living memories, to discover the intricacies of collecting, 

This lecture is part of the programming series for the current exhibition “Kosiv Bazaar. A living archive of the Carpathians.”

In Conversation with Leonard Krawchuk

Alexandra Shkandrij talks to notable collector Leonard Krawchuck about his collection and his early years, and the importance of preserving the intangible heritage inherent in these works.