Soyuzivka
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Soyuzivka, also known as Suzi-Q and The Q, is a year-round Ukrainian resort located in upstate New York in the Catskill Mountains.
[edit] Role
Soyuzivka is an educational and cultural institution for all Americans and Canadians of Ukrainian descent, and provides programs for both informal and academic settings, including workshops, seminars, camps, demonstrations, concerts, dances and art shows for all those interested in learning about the Ukrainian heritage. For over 50 years, Soyuzivka has been providing this service to the Ukrainian community. Visitors of all nationalities and participants are welcomed and introduced to the rich ethnic traditions and unique customs of both past and present. The Center provides a unique opportunity to those of Ukrainian descent and of those simply interested in expanding their knowledge about Ukraine to learn the heritage at one unique location.
[edit] History
In 1952, The Ukrainian National Association, a fraternal organization established in 1894, purchased the property in response to the growing need of its community, as a cultural center and gathering place for their members. It provided a venue for language workshops, heritage studies, concerts, art exhibits, children's camps, and programs to be fostered. Soyuzivka itself was modelled after the Carpathian mountain architecture, with the famous woodcarver, Cherniovsky, embellishing the buildings. Many artists were in residence over the years, including Jacques Hnizdovsky, Edward Kozak, Halyna Mazeppa and not only gave exhibits, but workshops on their craft. Soyuzivka is home to many important works of art by the most famous of Ukrainian sculptors who were commissioned to provide busts of the most famous Ukrainian literary, historic, political and religious figures. These include the busts of Lesia Ukrainka, poetess; Taras Shevchenko, the poet laureate of Ukraine and national symbol; Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, the first Ukrainian cardinal; Rev. Hryhoriy Hrushka, the founding Editor of Svoboda (Liberty), the first Ukrainian language newspaper in the USA, established in 1893; and Hetman Ivan Mazepa, the legendary hetman of Ukraine in the 17th century. The most world renowned statues of these is that of Taras Shevchenko, donated by Alexander Archipenko, a Ukrainian-Frenchman, world-renown cubist, with works at the MOMA, Whitney Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc. Edward Kozak's unusual paintings of wood of Ukrainian dancers adorn the Veselka hall and Trembita Lounge.
Soyuzivka has always been host to the most important dignitaries of Ukrainian descent. Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, after his release from a Soviet prison and after the Pope named him as Cardinal, was honored during his first US visit, as was the first President of an independent Ukraine, President Leonid Kravchuk in 1992. During the 1980s, 1990s and more recently, leaders and political dissidents, championing the rights of Ukraine’s self-determination were asked to lecture and meet with the community. These included Valentyn Moroz (dissident released by an exchange arranged by the United States and Russia), Mykola Horyn, Taras Chornovil (who later died in mysterious circumstances) and others. It has played host to Jack Palance, who appeared as a benefit for the Ukrainian community, as did Hollywood's Mike Mazurki, Miss Universe and others.
For over 30 years, Soyuzivka has annually sponsored courses for teachers of Ukrainian language schools. This two week intensive program prepares teachers for certification and methods of teaching the Ukrainian language, history, culture, literature, etc. For over 20 years, young people attendee intensive Ukrainian cultural courses as well. These are taught by leading professors and teachers of Ukrainian descent.
