In times of great upheaval, art has the power to provide solace, connection, and a sense of belonging. For Ukrainian women who have fled the devastating effects of war, Healing Art is more than just a creative endeavour—it is a lifeline. Organized by Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, this heartfelt initiative offers a sanctuary for women to heal, express themselves, and rediscover their inner strength through art.
Starting from January 6th and continuing every Monday until May, a group of 15 women will gather at the Community Center (216 Mill St., Kitchener, ON) for an evening of LIVE.PAINT.REVIVE. Each session runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing participants with not only the tools to create but also a nurturing environment to thrive.
What Makes the Healing Art Project Unique?
The Healing Art project is designed with care and compassion, offering:
A Safe and Cozy Environment: Participants are welcomed into a judgment-free space where they can share stories, experiences, and emotions while exploring their creativity.
Free Art Materials*: From paints to brushes and canvases, all supplies are provided at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all.
Warm Refreshments: Tea, coffee, and snacks are thoughtfully prepared to create a comforting and inviting atmosphere.
A Space for Healing: The sessions are tailored to encourage emotional expression, reflection, and a sense of release, allowing participants to process their experiences through the transformative power of art.
The project is led by Inna Biliaieva, a social pedagogue, life coach, and Ukrainian newcomer who brings a wealth of professional expertise and personal empathy to the program. Having experienced the challenges of displacement herself, Inna is uniquely equipped to guide participants on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Her compassionate approach ensures that each woman feels seen, heard, and supported.
Building Community Through Creativity
At its core, Healing Art is about more than just painting. It is about forging connections and fostering a sense of community among women who have endured unimaginable hardships. The sessions offer a chance to feel understood and to find comfort in the shared experiences of others. In this space, creativity becomes a bridge—linking past traumas to future hopes.
Free and Open to All Ukrainian Women
The Healing Art project is completely free of charge. This initiative is made possible by the generosity of sponsors and community partners who believe in the power of art to heal and inspire.
As the project unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting impact not only on the women who participate but also on the broader community. Together, through creativity and connection, these women are finding ways to rebuild and renew—one brushstroke at a time.
Supporting the initiative
If you’d like to support this meaningful initiative, consider donating. It can be done online with a tax receipt provided by Canada Helps (Grassroots Response donation page: https://www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca/donate Please leave an amount and comment "Healing Art".
Also, you may donate any supplies for the project from the list: click here.
Just simply email, please, to wrgr.volunteer@gmail.com and say, what you want to donate.
In case, if we will have extra money in the project, we will use it to support those Ukrainian families, who find themselves in particularly difficult situations.
Your generosity can help ensure that more women experience the transformative power of Healing Art.
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