Ukraine’s Children of War bring their Art to UK Libraries – Sunflower Dreams Project
This blog comes from David Elley and Kate Bolinova, Co-founders of the Sunflower Dreams Project.
“A child’s art is the purest form of expression, there is nothing between the child’s heart and the paintbrush.” – Nataliia Pavliuk, Lecturer of Art, Lviv Polytechnic University
The Sunflower Dreams Project at the EDGE2025 Conference in Edinburgh, 13/14 March.
Following an invitation-only exhibition at the Scottish Parliament on 30th January, as previewed by the Scottish Sunday Post on 12th January, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan and EDGE Convener Grainne Crawford invited co-founders of The Sunflower Dreams Project, David Elley (UK/US) and Kate Bolinova (CZ), to present and speak at this year’s conference.
“As the war in Ukraine continues, we share the artwork of Ukrainian children with the world. Each piece tells a story, a glimpse into their resilience and hope. Our goal is to support as many children as possible, providing them an outlet for healing through art, and raising awareness of their plight as they struggle to find and afford mental health resources for their trauma.” – David Elley
Meet Nataliia & Yustyna Pavliuk
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine started on February 24 2022, millions have been displaced. Among those helping are Nataliia Pavliuk, an art lecturer, and her daughter, Yustyna, a Master’s student in Architectural Design. They bring the power of art to heal to traumatized children in hospitals, orphanages and bomb shelters, offering moments of peace amid the chaos. It is paintings from this programme that we bring to the world.
Visitors to our exhibitions are often moved by the children’s talent, resilience, and hope. Over three years later, the need remains urgent. A recent study by the Olena Zelenska Foundation reports that 44% of Ukrainian children show signs of PTSD, with other estimates as high as 88%. Access to care for their children is often beyond the reach of displaced, unemployed, single mums and widows.
How You Can Help – A Call to Action to the UK’s Libraries
We have, in the exhibitions we bring from Ukraine, a touchstone for the UK’s Libraries to reach out to their communities and use their space to bring the UK and Ukrainian communities together and to interact with the children’s art.
To whet your appetites:
- In Liverpool, we are hosting a poetry workshop about the art.
- In Seattle, we invited visitors to draw and send postcards to the children in Ukraine.
- In Portsmouth Cathedral, we hosted a special Ukrainian Evensong, with Ukrainian songs, poetry and storytelling.
- In Ottawa, we joined with VR 360 Museum, “War Up Close”, to create a powerful and stark exhibition about the devastation of Ukrainian cities.
Imagine the possibilities! Invite us to bring an exhibition to your district. Help us tell the stories of the Children of War, the Children of Ukraine, who tell their stories in art, stories no child should ever have to tell.
“As a result of the war, all children are affected and need to express their feelings. The main idea is to bring them happiness.” – Nataliia Pavliuk
About Us: The Sunflower Dreams Project
This volunteer-led initiative organizes exhibitions across Europe, the UK, and North America. Our multinational team, composed of individuals who have served in Ukraine since 2022, is dedicated to raising awareness and support for these young artists.
For more information contact us: sunflowerdreamsproject@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook: Sunflower Dreams Project: Ukraine’s Children tell their Stories through Art
And on our Website: sunflowerdreamsproject.org