Cover Artist: Dr. Taras Yuri Snihurowycz

Dr. Snihurowycz began painting in 1975. His art is influenced by the great iconographers of Eastern Europe. While remaining true to a centuries-old art form that is an integral part of Ukrainian culture, Dr. Snihurowycz introduced new and unorthodox materials and treatments, using metals and incorporating techniques mastered through his years in dentistry. Some of his icons are created from tooled and hammered copper, while others have areas of painted imagery highlighted with gold leaf, silver and copper.

Dr. Snihurowycz's work is prized by private collectors across North America; 20 of his pieces are on display at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec. In 1990, Dr. Snihurowycz donated his iconographic rendering of St. Apollonia, the patroness of dentistry and of dental sufferers, to CDA.

CDA's Editor-in-Chief Dr. John O'Keefe asked Dr. Snihurowycz to create a portrait of CDA past president and former JCDA Editor Dr. Ralph Crawford and his wife Olga, who shares a Ukrainian heritage with the artist. Dr. Snihurowycz and Dr. Crawford have been friends since their days as students at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Snihurowycz was delighted to produce a work of art that would celebrate the Crawfords' contribution to Canadian dentistry. Dr. Douglas B. Smith, chair of the Dentistry Canada Fund, presented the iconic rendering to the Crawfords at the CDA's 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Montreal on May 26.

A photograph of the work of art graces the cover of this issue.