WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Ukrainian Museum in New York City, has been approved for membership in the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), the USUBC executive committee announced today. The announcement was made on behalf of the entire USUBC membership of 200 companies and organizations who have business operations, investments or other development programs in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Museum in NYC is the largest museum in the United States that is committed to acquiring, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting articles of artistic or historic significance to the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainians. Founded in 1976 it also incorporates earlier Ukrainian-American collections, and now operates in its own dedicated building in Manhattan’s vibrant East Village The Ukrainian Museum is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization.

DIVERSE, LARGE COLLECTIONS OF FINE ART, FOLK ART, AND DOCUMENTATION
The Museum has been collecting and exhibiting a vast array of works of fine art, folk art and archival materials for four decades. The fine arts collection includes paintings, works on paper, textiles, and sculptures by Ukrainian artists who worked in Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and elsewhere.

In the collection are works by such renowned artists as Alexander Archipenko, Mykola Butovych, Petro Cholodny Jr., Lev Getz, Oleksa Hryshchenko (Alexis Gritchenko), Jacques Hnizdovsky, Vasyl H. Krychevsky, Mykola Krychevsky.

The folk art collection includes an impressive array of ethnographic materials spanning the 20th century, and reaching back into the past: folk costumes and accessories, embroidered and woven textiles, kilims, ceramics, woodwork and metalwork pieces, and pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs).

The collection of archival material contains thousands photographs documenting the life of Ukrainian communities in North America from the late-1800’s. The personal correspondence of noted Ukrainians, programs of events, playbills, posters, exclusive chronicles of organizations and individuals Ukrainian currency, stamps, ex-libris, antique maps, and rare books are also part of the archives.

Envisioned as a major Ukrainian cultural center and as a forum for exhibitions, the Museum’s custom-designed building provides the long-term base for developing its mission. Thanks to the funding provided by donations, large and small, from the Ukrainian-American community, what was a vision and a promise four decades ago, has now become a reality. The museum was founded by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA).

IN SHEVCHENKO'S LAND EXHIBITION: 200th ANNIVERSARY OF TARAS SHEVCHENKO'S BIRTH

IN SHEVCHENKO'S LAND
March 29 – October 26, 2014
Folk art and icons from the region and time of Taras Shevchenko's birth

TARAS SHEVCHENKO: POET, ARTIST, ICON
May 11 – November 2, 2014
Major exhibition celebrating the life and achievements of Ukraine's foremost cultural icon, Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko (1814-1861), on the 200th anniversary of his birth is coming up on May 11, 2014.

ROLE OF MUSEUM IN THE USA AND WITH UKRAINE TODAY
Exhibitions are organized both in the US and in collaboration with museums in Ukraine. The Museum offers a wide range of public programming throughout the year, including workshops, gallery talks, lectures, conferences, symposiums, concerts, and book presentations.

The educational programs at the Museum play a critical role in introducing the American public to Ukrainian culture. Among the numerous offerings are gallery talks, lectures, symposiums, films, and concerts, as well as folk art courses and workshops for adults, for students from the city’s public and private schools, and for entire families.

“We are pleased to join the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council and to support its efforts to develop US -Ukraine business relations,” Renata Holod, president of the Board of Trustees of the Museum stated. “Exhibits in our galleries in New York City, as well as our traveling exhibits throughout major US cities serve to illustrate the rich cultural history of Ukraine and to showcase the vibrant contemporary art by artists in Ukraine and of Ukrainian origin.”

Director of the Museum Maria Shust added, “We look forward to collaborating with the members of the Council to further awareness and understanding of Ukraine, its rich culture and heritage.”

THE UKRAINIAN MUSEUM IN NEW YORK AND U.S.-UKRAINE BUSINESS COUNCIL (USUBC)
USUBC has been working for several months with Dr. Renata Holad, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Wolodymyr Sulzynsky, member, Board of Trustees, and with Maria Shust, Director. USUBC is pleased to have The Ukrainian Museum as a new member and appreciates the outstanding work by the museum in the past to preserve and promote Ukrainian art and culture. "USUBC and its members look forward to working The Ukrainian Museum in the future as its expands the Museum and the exhibitions," according to Morgan Williams, Director, Government Affairs, Washington office, SigmaBleyzer, who serves as President of the USUBC.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT: www.UkrainianMuseum.org

USUBC membership has grown rapidly during the past seven years. Membership now stands at over 200. In January 2005 membership was eight; two years later it had grown to 22; in January 2009 it reached 100; and in 2013 topped 200. A complete list of USUBC members can be found at: http://www.usubc.org/members.php. For a list of the USUBC board of directors go to: http://www.usubc.org/site/u-s-ukraine-business-council-board-of-directors.