On 16 November 2017 Asters jointly with the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council hosted a reception within the ArtAsters project on the opening of Return to the Homeland of Anatole Kolomayets (1927-2014), a well-regarded Ukrainian American artist.
At the opening ceremony Asters' Senior Partner Armen Khachaturyan emphasized: "Anatole Kolomayets left Ukraine in the young age and all his life irrespective of the place of living whether Europe or the USA, where he lived most of his life, he kept working on the images of his homeland, its people, its nature, its history, its destiny. His works helped so many in Ukrainian diaspora to preserve spiritual connection with the land of their origin, gave them psychological strength to achieve success in their new homes. In that Anatole Kolomayets artistic mission was difficult to overestimate. And, of course, for all his talent and cause he deserved a better awareness and broader recognition in his homeland. That is why we are so happy to join the efforts of Anatole's family to bring his name back to Ukraine together with his impressive artworks reflecting Scythian history, Ukraine’s Cossack glory, the tragedies of the Holodomor and Chornobyl, and so many other themes touching upon a Ukrainian heart. We are happy that ArtAsters has this unique opportunity to show Anatole Kolomayet's works to people in Ukraine."
Morgan Williams, USUBC President, commented: "This year is the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the USA and Ukraine. It is rather symbolic that near the end of this eventful year we have the opportunity to present an exhibition of an honored Ukrainian-American artist within the ArtAsters project which is aimed at promoting Ukrainian art. The artwork in this exhibition has a very strong connection with Ukraine. Anatole Kolomayets was born in Ukraine in 1927 and arrived in the U.S. in 1953. He always held onto the best and most valued features of his Ukrainian heritage. His life's work presented universal values and Ukrainian culture. We are honored to assist in his art 'back in his homeland'."
The event was traditionally held in Asters' office with near a hundred guests attending, including business managers, diplomats, governmental officers and public figures.
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Anatole Kolomayets was an artist well established in Chicago and within the international community. He was born in Ukraine in 1927. Anatole received his training at St. Luke’s Institute (1948 – 1952) and at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (1952 – 1953), both in Liege, Belgium. The artist came to the United States and settled in Chicago in 1953.
Mr. Kolomayets had 42 one-man shows. More than 500 of the artist’s works – both oils and watercolors – are in numerous private collections and galleries in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, France, the United States, Canada and Ukraine. Mr. Kolomayets was recognized as an Honored Artist of Ukraine in 2007.
ArtAsters is a non-profit project of Asters aimed at popularization of Ukrainian art. Launched in 2009, the project is designed to benefit Ukrainian artists and create additional opportunities for them to display their works in a gallery-like office space for viewing by Asters' lawyers, clients, and guests.
The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council(USUBC) is a private, non-profit trade association representing the interests of the U.S. businesses active in Ukraine and Ukraine businesses active or somehow connected to the U.S. markets. USUBC is headquartered in Washington, DC. With over 200 members, USUBC is the largest business association for Ukraine which is not based in Ukraine. USUBC has been promoting Ukraine as a place to do business since 1995.
