Olesha, Saskatchewan

Olesha, Saskatchewan

Eleanor Hadubiak talked at length about the decorations in her church, especially the ones on the top, or bania. It turns out that they were painted by Jim Huziak in 1939 using stencils that he made himself. Natalie Kononenko had the opportunity to interview Anne Huziak, Jim’s widow, on an earlier fieldtrip. Jim Huziak and his brother Mike were known for their work on many prairie churches. Mike did most of the carpentry, while Jim’s specialty was painting. Anne Huziak’s job was to paint the solid background (foundation), something which she often did with a baby strapped to her back.

Olesha

(approximate location)