We were delighted to present the money raised from the ‘Sunflowers : Symbols of Hope’ exhibition held over the weekend 22-23rd August to Olya and Okansa at artist, Anna Donovan’s home in Exeter.
The representatives of the Devon Ukrainian Association were thrilled to receive the amount of £939.05 – funds which will go directly to helping Ukrainians in a small village just outside Kiev.
The spark for this special exhibition began earlier in the year when Anna met Frances at her home and spotted a sunflower painting in her kitchen. This revealed that Anna had been creating a large body of work in response to the plight and suffering of the Ukrainians since the outbreak of war there in February 2022. Only fitting then that the exhibition would go on to raise funds for a Ukrainian charity.
Anna Donovan was supported by James Tatum SWAc, tutors and students of Sea View Art Barn and was opened by Alan Cotton MBE on Friday 21st August, who gave a heartfelt speech alongside Frances and friends of South West Academy Trustee, Gillian Burbidge.
Alongside paintings by tutors and friends, children from Ladysmith Primary School also were invited to show a collection of paintings created as part of a creative project run by artist and educator, Nic George.
Frances said, ‘What a special show it was! I’m very pleased it came together so beautifully. A grand effort by all those involved to whom I’m most grateful. And wow what a sense of community there was!’
To find out more about the Devon Ukrainian Association you can visit their website
