In our last article on Pysanky we told you about Cecilia Lalach of Rutland who is a one woman show trying to retain several Ukrainian traditions in her extended family and through her promotion of food, dance, costume and Pysanky. This month we focus on a very active lady from Penticton who, for very similar reasons, undertook to learn and promote the art form of Pysanky in the South Okanagan.

Anna McIvor is of Dutch extraction not Ukrainian and is married to a Scot. Her interest in Pysanky grew from a lifelong interest in craft and culture. She met and learned the art of Pysanky from a real Ukrainian mentor - Joan Nakanechny, who learned the art and craft directly from her Ukrainian mother.

Anna began her love of Pysanky in Vernon in the early 80's and brought her art and cultural interests with her when the family moved to the South Okanagan and Penticton.

Anna has always loved to do crafts and to pass on the art of crafting through teaching and instructing. She has conducted classes in art, culture and, of course, Pysanky through Community Centre programmes, retirement centre activity groups and through the Okanagan University College Arts Programmes. She will also conduct classes in Pysanky for small groups of committed persons in her home on mutually agreeable times and dates.

Anna McIvor's approach to the art is that 'Pysanka is the point' and she wants to preserve the artful form of expressing Eastern European art on eggs. Anna's interest is in sharing the art. She maintains a selection of 30 to 50 eggs on display in her home. She describes her art as a very personal, very peaceful creation. Each egg is unique and tells its own story. Each egg displays the heart, the soul and the spirit of the Pysanka artist. Anna takes special effort to compose unique and special eggs of unique and specific composition to present to special and unique friends and acquaintances.

Anna McIvor is always active and on the go. Even though her time is at a premium as a mother, grandmother and community activist she finds the time to share her artful interests with others. In addition to sharing her arts, crafting and love of culture she is the President and a Director of the Penticton Multicultural Society. In that capacity she is the chief organizer and coordinator of the Penticton Multi Cultural Festival which takes place in Penticton mid February each year. The one afternoon festival attracts between 2000 and 3500 people each year.

The art of Pysanky is worth learning, sharing and maintaining. To learn more about Pysanky and perhaps learn the art from a lady who wants to "Share the Art' contact Anna McIvor in Penticton at 250-493-0951.

March 07,G.Flaman