In our recent blog article, UCARE: Nearly Three Decades of Hope and Healing for Ukraine’s Children, we introduced readers to the important work of UCARE and its mission to support vulnerable children across Ukraine. This follow-up highlights one of UCARE’s recent fundraising events — an art exhibition that gives children a voice and brings their hopes into focus for viewing audiences. Read on to learn more about this initiative and how you can support UCARE and their work
When Children’s Art Becomes a Voice for Hope
When UCARE founder Vera Petrusha returned from a recent trip to Ukraine after working with children at summer camps, she carried home not just memories, but a collection of the children’s art — vibrant, hopeful creations made in the midst of war during UCARE’s youth camps, which often feature healing through art workshops. “It just shows that through all this devastation, there is still hope — these kids still color,” Vera said.
Those pieces of art became the heart of a powerful exhibition called ‘My Home — Ukraine: War Through the Eyes of Children,’ designed to shine a light on the reality of war while celebrating the resilience of Ukraine’s youngest generation.
Blending Devastation and Hope
For the photo exhibition, a friend of Vera’s provided her with a collection of powerful original images from Ukraine depicting bombed-out buildings and war-torn streets. Using digital composition, pieces of the children’s colorful artwork were layered over the haunting images — a visual contrast that is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.
The result is a moving series of large-format posters that juxtapose destruction with optimism, reminding viewers that even in the darkest times, children still dream about home, family, and peace. Alongside these composite pieces, full reproductions of the children’s paintings were displayed at an exhibition, offering an intimate look at their hopes for the future.
“This project is not just an exhibition; it is a testament to the power of art as a means of healing and storytelling,” Vera said. “By bringing together documentary photography and children’s artistic expression, we hope to provide a voice to those most affected by war — the youngest and most vulnerable.”
Shown here is a collection of the artwork displayed at the exhibition.
Community Response
More than 100 people filled ArtWare in Manistee, Michigan, for the premiere of the My Home – Ukraine: War Through the Eyes of Children exhibition. Community members gathered to view the artwork, hear Vera share stories from the camps, and learn about the challenges facing Ukrainian children.
“It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time,” Vera told attendees. “When I talk about the kids, share their stories, we all cry together. But we also leave with hope — because these children are proof that Ukraine’s spirit is unbreakable.”
The strong turnout and deeply emotional response to the exhibit sparked demand for additional showings, allowing My Home – Ukraine to reach a larger audience — and to continue raising awareness and support for the children of Ukraine.
Raising Awareness — and Funds
Beyond raising awareness, My Home — Ukraine also raised thousands of dollars to support UCARE’s programs for children in Ukraine. Prints of the artwork were sold, with proceeds going to UCARE initiatives such as camps and education programs for children.
By combining art, storytelling, and advocacy, these exhibitions keep Ukraine in the spotlight and remind audiences of the human side of the war — and the children whose futures hang in the balance.
Continuing the Journey
My Home — Ukraine is just one of the many ways UCARE keeps the stories and dreams of Ukraine’s children in the public eye. Each exhibition raises awareness and helps rally more people to stand with Ukraine’s most vulnerable victims of war.
Stay tuned for our next Spotlight Ukraine feature, where we’ll share more about ‘Dream Trains – Voices of Hope’ —UCARE’s next powerful art and storytelling exchange connecting children in Ukraine with students in the United States.
Be sure to visit UCARE’s website to learn more about the non-profit organization’s meaningful work and find out how you can join in to support Ukraine’s children.