Children of War
Natalya and Yustyna Pavlyuk, Curators
January 8 – April 28, 2024
Stichweh Gallery
Public Reception: Thursday, March 14, 2024, 4 – 6p

Ukrainian mother and daughter creatives bring healing art therapy to the children of Ukraine during wartime.  

“One morning, all of Ukraine awoke to the news that a full-scale invasion by Russia had begun. This event divided our lives into a clear distinction between the “before” and “after” periods. Every conscious Ukrainian felt compelled to contribute in any way possible to support our country’s struggle. Some people immediately enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while others became volunteers in various capacities. We decided to help children and their parents through art. 

From the very outset of the conflict, we dedicated ourselves to aiding children who arrived in Lviv seeking refuge. We met with them in hospitals, shelters, and orphanages, marking the inception of our Art that Saves initiative. Throughout the past year and a half, children from all corners of Ukraine have passed through our art classes. These young souls used their artwork to express their dreams, fears, thoughts about the war, and their aspirations for what life would be like after victory.

In Spring 2024, the Children of War exhibition and programming will be exhibited at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. We sincerely hope that the stories you hear will provide you with insight into the experiences of these children and their families. It serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to support Ukraine on diplomatic and other fronts. Only through our combined efforts can we hope to emerge victorious in this war. 

We don’t know what story this child has behind him.

Even a seemingly simple question like “Where are your parents?” or “Do you have a brother or sister?” can be very sensitive for them to hear.  These children saw what they should not have seen in life… And this will forever remain in their memory and be reflected throughout their lives, decisions, fears and choices.  But fortunately, the fire in children’s eyes did not go out, and this war has not broken them. 

 It makes wings!”  —Natalya and Yustyna Pavlyuk

Otterbein & the Arts: Opening Doors to the World – Ukraine