The Magic of Light Book Release

Saturday, November 8, at 1 PM, join Yara Arts Group from New York at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art for a special presentation and book launch of “The Magic of Light.”

Created by Virlana Tkacz, Tom Lee, and Julian Kytasty, the show tells the story of a young artist seeking light in the darkest of times – 150 years ago, when Ukrainian culture and language were banned. The book features the script, photos, and creative background of the production.

At the event, Virlana Tkacz will discuss the making and contemporary relevance of the show, while Julian Kytasty will introduce the epic kobzar tradition and perform selections from his Smithsonian Folkways album “Songs of Truth.”

Olena Jennings, a New York poet, will share works inspired by her Ukrainian heritage, joined by Chicago writer Anne K. Yoder.

This program continues UIMA’s collaboration with Yara Arts Group, which began in 2023 with poetry readings and the Threads exhibition.