Pysanky showcase ‘strength and stories’ of Ukrainian newcomers at Kingsway Mall

The annual 'Pysanky for Peace' display at Kingsway Mall is back and comes with an important message.

A dozen intricately-painted eggs have been suspended in Kingsway Garden Mall in a display designed to raise money for Ukrainian newcomers.

• Get the latest Edmonton updates right to your inbox

Large hand-painted pysanky, painted by female artists who have fled the war, have been hanging in the mall since Monday.

The Pysanky for Peace exhibit honours the Ukrainian Easter tradition of painting pysanky, carefully decorating eggs with elaborate designs in a variety of styles and colours.

It’s a partnership between the mall and the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts.

“This hopeful display is both a celebration of Ukrainian culture and a dream that peace will come soon,” said Bo Tarasenko, Kingsway Mall marketing manager.

“Each egg represents not just the traditional Ukrainian art of pysanky, but the strength and stories of the artists who painted them.”

The eggs will hang in the mall until May 3. They will then be sold off to raise money for programs for newcomers fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The installation can be found near Entrance 8. A similar exhibit can be found in Calgary at the Southcentre Mall.