Marianna Mackanych is bringing the colorful traditions of Ukrainian decorative painting to Mt. Lebanon Public Library, where her work reflects a personal heritage and history.
Mackanych, who was born and raised in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States in 1994, first pursued formal training in the arts, earning a degree in art with a focus on portraits and graphics.
Her career path later shifted. She earned an engineering degree and said she built “a good career” in that field.
About a year ago, Mackanych returned to art after finding leftover supplies from her children while cleaning. While watching Ukrainian films and noticing traditional paintings in the background, she was inspired to explore the style further.
Today, her renewed focus is on Petrykivka, a traditional Ukrainian decorative art style from southern Ukraine, known for its vibrant floral patterns and intricate designs.
Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Mackanych creates pieces that are “mostly floral,” sometimes incorporating birds and other animals.
What began on scrap paper quickly grew into a steady creative practice. Mackanych said she initially gave many pieces away as gifts until an unexpected moment during a work trip.
“I sold my first painting on a plane,” she said.
Encouraged by family, she created a website [1] and began sharing her work more widely. Her paintings have since been included in fundraising efforts and holiday markets, with one piece recently selling at a fundraising event at West Virginia University.
Mackanych’s work is on display in the library’s lower gallery through the end of March. An artist reception is scheduled for March 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Conference Room A, where attendees can ask questions and learn about her creative process.
“I hope the exhibit introduces more people to this traditional art form,” she said.