Displaced Ukrainian youths taking refuge in Melbourne have been using art as a means for healing and this weekend will showcase their work.
Romsey artist Debbie Daks has been leading workshops through the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria since March.
With her own friendship connections to Ukraine, Debbie wanted to use her skills to help those in need of connection and a creative outlet.
This Friday she is handing it over to the young artists she has been coaching to run their first exhibition Art with Ukraine in the Heart in Melbourne.
“I have been assisting them to achieve whatever it is that they feel they want to do in this creative space,” she said.
“It’s about empowering the kids. They get a great joy from creating their pieces. It’s been such a great experience for them.”
Some of those sharing their works include 16-year-old Alex who came to Australia six months ago from Kyiv, young Demons supporter Max from Lviv who mailed his art for the special occasion, and 16-year-old Luiza from Kyiv who will help to host the event.
While many youths have benefited from the workshops and having their own creative space, so too have adults.
Established ceramicist Viktor Poshyvailo, from Opishnia, will also feature some of his pieces as part of the exhibition.
His work has been displayed in The National Museum of Ukrainian Pottery and private collections in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
So, how did this all begin?
Debbie sold some of her own art to raise funds for displaced Ukrainians last year and connected with Rotary and the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria.
It was from there that the workshops developed. Debbie has been working closely with various association leaders including director Valia Wasil. She has also had the assistance of individuals from the Macedon Ranges along the way.
Former Woodend Art Shop’s Kay and Grant Brabham donated many art supplies to help get the workshops off the ground. Cope Williams Winery has donated wine for the exhibition’s opening night.
Art with Ukraine in the Heart exhibition and sale will be opened at the Association of Ukrainians in Victoria, 3-11 Russell Street, Melbourne, on Friday, November 3, from 7pm. It will continue on Saturday, open from 10am to 4pm.
