SOUTHINGTON – Ukrainian artists will exhibit their creations at the Southington Community Cultural Arts center on Main Street next month.
The artists contributing include those living in Ukraine, Israel, Poland and locally.
All the artists are women, many of whom have left their home country following the Russian invasion earlier this year. Men have been prohibited from leaving the country since the invasion.
Proceeds from the sale of paintings, collages and jewelry will benefit Ukrainian causes and the refugee women and their families.
“We’re just hoping to get these women back up on their feet,” said Diann Thomson, arts center executive director.
Jeweler, embroiderer
Olga Tsyfanski, an Avon resident, and her son Andrew came to the United States in 2008 but still have relatives in Ukraine, including Tsyfanski’s father. She and her son are making jewelry to sell at the upcoming exhibit to help fund critical supplies and military equipment for soldiers.
Tsyfanski is also learning the traditional embroidery of Ukraine, which includes different patterns for various regions. Some of her family’s embroidery will be included in the exhibit.
“Ukrainian embroidery is a huge part of our history,” she said Friday. “Now we’re trying to reincarnate it and leave it to our kids.”
Paintings
While some painters are local, Thomson said they’re waiting on works from those overseas. They just received paintings from a Ukrainian now living in Israel and hope to get some from Ukraine itself in time for the showing.
Not all the paintings will be for sale but will highlight the artists and may lead to other work.
“That’s what we’re hoping for, people will commission them, people will support them,” Thomson said.
The exhibit will open on Sept. 6 both online and in person. SoCCA is holding an evening celebration on Sept. 10 that’ll include a Ukrainian chef and Ukrainian speakers.
“We’re hoping that’s a great night,” Thomson said.
The art will remain on display for the annual Apple Harvest Festival in late September and early October.
“We have a lot of foot traffic then. People can walk through and purchase stuff,” Thomson said.
The idea for an exhibit of Ukrainian artists started when Thomson was talking to Alexandra Anderson, a Southington resident who helped bring her family members from Ukraine earlier this year. Anderson was also a student of Thomson’s husband in college.
The stories of what refugees have endured motivated Thomson.
“I was so moved talking to her. I had to do something,” she said.
SoCCA is located at 93 Main St. and can be found online at www.southingtonarts.org.
jbuchanan@record-journal.com203-317-2230Twitter: @JBuchananRJ
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