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 When Ukrainian settlers first came to the Bonnyville area in the early part of this century, they brought with them the rich and varied art and culture of their homeland.
One such art form is Ukrainian embroidery, an art
which is present in both the secular and sacred aspects
of life. Our exhibit displays artifacts which stem from
both of these aspects.
The secular aspect of Ukrainian embroidery is represented
by the embroidered costumes and pillow covers in our display;
embroidered cloths serve to decorate the altar; religious
pictures and icons and are representative of the sacred
side of Ukrainian life.
The cross-stitching (khrestyk) on display is of mainly two
types – geometrics and floral patterns. Traditionally
it is especially in the sacred stitching that geometric
and floral patterns predominate. Embroidery depicting a
scene or figures are rare. The dominance of geometric designs
are likely the result of both physical and psychological
factors.
 "The natural angularity of the warp-and-woof construction common to all fabrics in itself suggests the use of crosses and x's, the basis of cross-stitch; simultaneously, the cross underlines the theme of Christian religiosity."
The other artifacts on display, such as the Easter eggs (pysanky) and musical instruments display other facets of Ukrainian cultural life.
1 Robert B. Klymasz, Stitching for God , (Winnipeg: The Beaver -- Exploring Canada's History, 1986), p.47
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