**Art Therapy Exhibition in Sheffield**
An exhibition of artwork by Ukrainian veterans, widows, and children is being held at Sheffield Cathedral. The event aims to raise money for medical supplies.
The artwork was created during art therapy sessions at Veterans’ House in Rivne, Western Ukraine. This year marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Sheffield has a small but significant Ukrainian community, with around 100-150 people living there. Many have moved from Ukraine to work in the city. The exhibition hopes to connect people through human stories and raise awareness about the impact of the war.
**Art Therapy Sessions**
Rivne Veterans’ House offers free art therapy sessions for soldiers and their families affected by the war. Manager Viktoriia Shynkarenko started painting as a way to cope with insomnia after returning from the frontline.
The centre uses trained psychologists alongside the art classes, which have physical benefits too, such as improving fine motor skills. Participants often return for multiple sessions, finding it helps restore their dignity.
Mothers, widows, and children take part in the sessions to find support and a sense of community. The project has taken paintings across the world, with sales in Australia, Canada, the US, and Europe.
**Funding**
The project is currently funded by the Ukrainian government, Rivne’s council, and USAID. However, following President Trump’s freeze on USAID funding, the centre is looking for alternative sources of support.
Manager Shynkarenko emphasizes that they will not stop their work, even if US funding is completely cut off. They are reaching out to other organizations, including in England, to help fund their art therapy sessions and medical supply drives.
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