David Boeck recently exhibited his sketches in an exhibition titled “UKRAINIAN CHURCHES: Standing Tall in the Struggle.” The exhibition was held at the Shevchenko Museum in Toronto from February 9, 2025, to February 28, 2025.
Boeck, who retired from Gibbs College in 2024, is known for his vibrant and dynamic sketches, particularly of international sites. His work emphasizes the significance of freehand sketching as a tool for creative expression and intellectual diversity. The exhibition featured a series of drawings that depicted the architectural beauty and the impact of conflict on a collection of Ukrainian churches.
Boeck expressed his personal connection to the project: “It’s been a sad journey seeing what has been happening.” He continued, “The destruction has been immense. My prayer is that this ends soon, and Ukraine and the rest of the world will begin rebuilding all that has been destroyed.”
Located at the Museum Gallery, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto, the exhibition aimed to showcase the historical and current states of Ukrainian churches affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Initially drawn to the architecture of Kyiv’s churches, Boeck has expanded his focus to include churches damaged or destroyed since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022.
On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.
The Gibbs College of Architecture celebrates fifth-year architecture student Haley Praytor, who has been recognized at the national level for her design work. In early March, Haley received a Graduate Division Award of Merit for her submission to the 2025 Metal Building Manufacturers Association student design competition.
Ronald Frantz Jr., emeritus professor, has been named a 2026 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient, the highest honor presented by Main Street America. The award was announced at the Main Street Now Conference in Tulsa, recognizing leaders who advance preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
