Resettled Ukrainians are showcasing their creative talents in Ayrshire this week.
Ayr's Grain Exchange is playing host to Ukrainian Creative Week where people from the country will showcase their artwork and crafts.
The event started on April 23 and will be on until April 30. It is organised by Ukrainians who have been relocated to Scotland as a result of the war and involves artists who not only want to showcase their work but tell about their roots.
Co-organiser, Victoria Deregus, left her home city Kharkiv and moved to Prestwick in June last year and later settled in Ayr.
Victoria, 39, said: “Fortunately, I was able to find refuge in Scotland. It is a relief to finally be in a place where I feel safe and secure. I hope that I will find peace and stability to rebuild my life.
“I used to work as an artist and designer, with expertise in various fields. Over the years, I have worked on a variety of projects, including branding, packaging, web design, and fashion. I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge.
“I decided to organize and take part in the spring show because of my passion for art and beauty, as well as my belief in the power of cooperation and partnership.”
Organisers are grateful for the support they have received from the Grain Exchange staff during the planning process and are thankful to South Ayrshire Council for generously donating funds to cover the cost of materials for the exhibition.
Victoria continued: “I hope that the show will be well-received by the local community and that it will foster greater understanding and appreciation of Ukrainian culture.
“Art, culture, and relaxation are important aspects of mental health and wellbeing, especially for those who have experienced stress and trauma. Events like this can provide a space for people to come together, relax, and engage with their creative side, which can have a positive impact on their mental health. Celebrating diversity and showcasing different cultural perspectives can help to break down barriers and create a more accepting and creative society.”
Olga Shakhunova is one of the artists who is presenting her work at The Grain Exchange this week.
Olga, 43, worked as a doctor back in Ukraine. She fled her home town Donetsk back in 2014 when her city was occupied by Russia and moved to Odesa where she was planning to move into her new house last year but a full-scale invasion changed everything.
Olga had to flee the country with her 13-year-old son and arrived in Ayr on July 28, 2022.
She said: “I had to make a difficult decision for myself to leave Ukraine and take my son to a safe place for the second time. This decision is difficult as my parents and brother stay in Ukraine and their cities continue to be under Russian attacks.
“We arrived in Ayr and lived in a hotel for three months and in October a Scottish family invited us into their house. In this family, we received care and assistance and felt treated like family members. We are infinitely grateful to our Scottish family and Scotland.”
Olga, along with a large Ukrainian community in Ayrshire decided to organise the event to introduce Ukrainian culture.
She said: “We would like to be useful to the society that has given us such a warm welcome and the chance to live in safety.
“We want to reveal multiple interesting and unfamiliar attributes about our country.”
Olga will showcase her neurographic drawings which she described as a combination of “art and psychology”. As a doctor, she understands the principle of this technique and wanted to share her knowledge and skills with people who want to apply neurography in their lives.
There are over 10 other artists who are presenting their work every day until April 30 at the Grain Exchange where everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about Ukrainian culture.
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