From Ukraine to Exeter: Couple brings their artistic talent to Canada

GRAND BEND – Four years after fleeing their native Ukraine, an Exeter couple and their two children are building a new life in Canada and sharing their artistic talents. Vlad Borzyk, his wife Iryna Dmytriieva and their children Veronika, 12, and six-year-old Mark, left Odesa, Ukraine, in 2022 in search of a new start after the Russian invasion of their [...]

Article content GRAND BEND – Four years after fleeing their native Ukraine, an Exeter couple and their two children are building a new life in Canada and sharing their artistic talents. Vlad Borzyk, his wife Iryna Dmytriieva and their children Veronika, 12, and six-year-old Mark, left Odesa, Ukraine, in 2022 in search of a new start after the Russian invasion of their country. Recommended Videos Both Borzyk and Dmytriieva taught art in Ukraine, and they’ve been able to continue their passion for the arts in Canada.

While both have full-time jobs in Exeter – Borzyk at Northlander and Dmytriieva at the Relouw Early Childhood Learning Centre – they’re also making a mark on the local arts scene as members of the Sunset Arts Gallery and the South Huron Arts Centre, where they’ve been able to lead art classes and workshops. Their hometown of Odesa sits on the Black Sea in southeastern Europe, and Dmytriieva said one of the things she and her family enjoys about this area is Grand Bend and the proximity to Lake Huron.

“It reminds us of home,” she said of the lakeshore area. Dmytriieva said the immigration process varied in 2022 when Ukrainians began leaving their country after the Russian invasion. With fighting close to where they lived, she said they knew they weren’t safe and had to leave.

Dmytriieva received her immigration approvals soon after completing her paperwork, while for others it took longer. Her visa fees were also waived, which she said was very helpful during a difficult time. After staying in a hotel for Ukrainian refugees in Bucharest, Romania, she and the children arrived in Canada in June 2022, where they stayed with a host family in Thorndale for three months.

After sending out resumes all over Ontario, Dmytriieva found a job in Exeter with London Bridge, which also assisted her with daycare for her children. Borzyk joined the family in Exeter a few months later. Both hold master’s degrees.

Dmytriieva was an art teacher in Ukraine for 10 years, where she taught painting and sculpture. Also an art teacher in Ukraine, Borzyk previously worked in an animation studio and worked on artwork in churches where he helped install mosaics. He’s also trained as an electric engineer.

Now settled in Exeter, where they hope to stay, the couple is established in the local arts scene. In addition to their participation at the Sunset Arts Gallery and the South Huron Arts Centre – where they both sit on the board – they’ve participated in art shows across southern Ontario. They said they’d both like to make their art more of a full-time thing eventually.

“It’s a dream,” Borzyk said. Upon getting to know the South Huron Arts Centre, Dmytriieva said she was impressed with the equipment available, including pottery wheels and a new kiln, which have allowed her to teach a variety of classes. Borzyk said he and his family are happy in Canada and feel safe.

“I loved Canada when we landed,” Dmytriieva recalled of arriving here, explaining that everyone at the airport was polite to them and welcomed them to the country. “Canada is very friendly,” she said. Their daughter Veronika attends South Huron District high school where she will start Grade 8 in the fall, while Mark will begin Grade 1 at Exeter elementary school.

Both are involved in sports and are taking online piano lessons with a teacher from Ukraine. Those who would like to see Borzyk’s and Dmytriieva’s artistic talents in person can do so at Sunset Arts Gallery on Grand Bend’s River Road. Borzyk said his paintings are largely inspired by local nature including Morrison Dam and the Pinery, while Dmyitriieva has a variety of her pottery – including mugs, animal designs and leaves — on display.

She said she enjoys experimenting with different textures.