Ann Alexandra Harbuz
Ann Harbuz (Napastiuk) (July 25, 1908 – April 29, 1989) was a Canadian artist. A self-taught artist, she is known for folk art painting depicting 20th-century Canadian Ukrainian prairie perspectives. She drew inspiration from her rural and Ukrainian origins in Western Canada, reflecting her very personal vision of the social life of her community, a vision which is a combination of memories, dreams and reality. While her art career began late in life, she produced more than 1000 paintings and painted objects. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Harbuz spent her childhood near Whitkow, Saskatchewan. Her parents were  immigrants from Ukraine. and much of her adult life in the Saskatchewan communities of Richard and North Battleford, and Ponoka, Alberta. She died in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, aged 80. Career. Harbuz did not start painting until the late 1960s, when she saw the artworks of her North Battleford neighbour, Mike Peryewizniak. When she started painting, she was still busy with home and community life and she would often have to integrate her art-making into the daily activities of the home. Her works blur traditional distinctions between 'folk', 'vernacular', 'popular', and 'fine' art categories. Her artistic style shows little adherence  to formal/technical considerations and focuses instead on content and subject matter. She was commissioned to do a painting for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, which was presented a painting to Thomas Douglas. Her work is exhibited across Canada and collected in many collections including the Mendel Art Gallery (Saskatoon), The Saskatchewan Arts Board, and The Mackenzie Gallery (Regina). Several of her works have been sold at auction, including "NIKOA KOWALSKI'S FARM", which sold at Hodgins Art Auctions in fall 2006. Exhibitions. Solo Exhibitions Group Exhibitions