Devon Ukrainian Association Presents: “Ukraine. Children”
- DUA Team
- Jul 1
- 3 min read

“Ukraine. Children” — An Exhibition of Hope and Identity Through the Eyes of Young Artists and a Telebridge between young artists in Chayky (Ukraine) and in Exeter (UK).
The Devon Ukrainian Association (DUA) is proud to present Ukraine. Children, a moving exhibition of artworks created by Ukrainian children aged 8 to 16. Opening at Ukrainian Hub at 19 North Street, Exeter EX4 3QS, on Saturday 5 July, 2025 at 12:00, the exhibition brings together ten original pieces created in wartime Ukraine, curated by Maryna Omelchenko, the Artist, and Oksana Kryvyak, the Headmaster of Ukrainian Saturday School “Berehynia”.
The children are students at the art school Khudozhka in the village of Chayky (Kyiv-Svyatoshyn district), with some participants coming from Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region — a city in eastern Ukraine that has suffered repeated attacks since 2014. In April 2022, a missile strike on its train station killed and wounded dozens of civilians — many of them children — as they tried to flee. Several of the young artists featured in the exhibition have been directly impacted by this violence and displacement, yet continue to express hope and belonging through their art.
As part of the exhibition opening, we will host a live online telebridge between the children in Chayky and the students of the Ukrainian Saturday School “Berehynia” in Exeter at 13:00, creating a meaningful cross-border moment of cultural exchange, connection, and shared celebration.
Featured Works:
Proud Rooster – Sofia Vitvinovska, 10 A bright symbol of morning, courage, and the Ukrainian spirit. This rooster stands proudly, representing hope and new beginnings.
Olga – Kira Vasilyeva, 14 Inspired by the legendary women of Ukraine, this portrait conveys strength, dignity, and the quiet wisdom of feminine nature.
Security Guard – Yaroslav Malik, 16 A strong image of a defender, caught between peace and danger. A tribute to those who bravely protect what matters most.
Crimea: Hidden Heart – Samson Tsereteli, 11 A poignant reflection on a land full of beauty, memory, and longing — a piece of home that lives on in our hearts.
Motanka: Threads of the Soul – Margarita Titova, 11 A traditional Ukrainian doll comes to life through bright threads of emotion, symbolizing protection, memory, and love.
Carpathian Fairy Tale – Solomiya Eredenko, 9 The mountains whisper ancient stories in this fairy-tale landscape — a child’s vision of the mystical Carpathians.
Ukrainian Girl – Maria Shcherbyna, 8 Pure, bright, and proud — this portrait celebrates the gentle strength and beauty of a Ukrainian child.
Christmas Carols – Milana Zhuravlyova, 10 A joyful celebration of Christmas traditions, filled with music, laughter, and the warmth of community.
Through the Streets of Lviv – Milana Zhuravlyova, 10 A walk through magical Lviv — a city shining with stories of culture, resilience, and joy.
Kramatorsk: City of Courage – Myroslava Miroshnychenko, 10 A moving tribute to a city that has endured pain but has not broken. Through colour and form, the painting tells a story of strength, hope, and home.
A Testament to Creativity and Cultural Continuity
More than an art show, Ukraine. Children is a space for dialogue — about war, memory, identity, and the healing force of creativity. In each piece, visitors will see not just a child's drawing, but a reflection of the national soul in miniature.
Sales and Fundraising
The artworks will be available for purchase during the exhibition and via an online bidding form. The recommended donation per piece is £25, but visitors are encouraged to contribute as they feel moved.
£10 from each sale will go directly to the young artist as recognition and encouragement.
The remaining proceeds will support the Ukrainian Saturday School “Berehynia” — a vital cultural hub helping preserve Ukrainian language, traditions, and identity for children growing up in the UK.
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