«Our original intent was just to give the refugee children something to do to distract them from the war and to keep their minds occupied, since they were constrained to cramped living quarters. At first, we weren’t even sure they would use the supplies. But to our surprise, painting soon became a nightly outlet for them.
We found that the things these kids were dealing with created a lot of "whys", but offered few answers. This created great unspoken emotions in their hearts, and they readily expressed these emotions in art. Our project is designed to encourage the children to share these emotions, and in doing so, we say to them, "You are not alone. We are with you, the whole world is with you, and we all support you."
Another important component of this project highlights the resourcefulness of the Ukrainian people. The actions of every day citizens, both small and heroic, are changing the outcome of this war. With this in mind, we realized that we could empower these children to make a difference through their artistic expressions. Through fundraising efforts, our project aims to give children the opportunity to act as advocates and actors who can change the situation for the better and save someone's life».
Luther and Anastasiia Cifers
You can support the families by donating to the Cifers Foundation at the following link:
More is on The Longwood Center for the Visual Arts website
https://lcva.longwood.edu/exhibitions/my-ukraine
At the outbreak of the current war in Ukraine Luther and Anastasiia Cifers traveled to the country to help aid their fellow citizens escape to Poland with their families. Once in Warsaw, where housing and care was provided, the couple would give art supplies to children.
Every evening these children – all under the age of 14 - create works of art to find some sense of comfort during a traumatic and violent time. Images of war and conflict are present, but so are symbols of hope and peace. The pictures also speak to the resourcefulness and efforts of every day citizens; that any action, both small and heroic, can change the outcome of war and have a global effect.
The Cifers found that the things these kids were dealing with created a lot of "whys", but offered few answers. This created great unspoken emotions in their hearts, however, they readily expressed these emotions in art. Their project is designed to encourage children to share these emotions, and in doing so, say to them, "You are not alone. We are with you, the whole world is with you, and we all support you."
This exhibition is made possible in part by YakAttack.
