UCCA Expresses Sorrow on the passing of Leo Mol, Renowned Sculptor

28 July 2009

On July 4 2009, internationally celebrated sculptor, Leo Mol (Leonid Molodozhanyn) passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 94. Best known for his unique bronze sculptures that have graced places around the world from the Vatican to the United States and Canada, Leo Mol leaves behind an undying legacy of renowned artistic creations.

In mourning the death of Leo Mol, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America also celebrates his life and is especially grateful to this prolific Ukrainian–born artist for his inspired work in sculpting the magnificent Taras Shevchenko memorial in our nation’s capital.   Having won the international competition, Leo Mol, in his own words described this work, “When I decided to take part in the general competition for the project of Taras Shevchenko’s statue in Washington, sponsored by the Shevchenko Memorial Committee of America, I was especially impressed and encouraged by one of the several conditions of the competition – to create a statue of Taras Shevchenko in his youthful age.  As a matter of fact, I always visualized Shevchenko as a young, vigorous and dynamic man, of Byronesque image, romantic and fighting, symbolizing the era in which Shevchenko lived and created.  In his praise and singing of the ancient freedom and glory of the historic past of Ukraine, Shevchenko with a deep faith and hope in God and in the creative forces of the Ukrainian people, succeeded in uniting the past, with the present and the future.”

A talented artist with humble beginnings, Leo Mol was very proud of his Ukrainian heritage.  As an ambassador for the Ukrainian global community, he will be remembered as an accomplished artist, whose creations will inspire generations to come.

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America sends its heartfelt condolences to the Mol family.

Tamara Olexy President		Marie Duplak Executive Secretary