The violent images from Ukraine on the TV news are deeply troubling. The Cowichan Valley Arts Council is presenting images of the conflict from another point of view in a display of Ukrainian children’s art this month.

Beyond the News: Ukrainian Children’s Art, will feature more than 20 prints of drawings and colourful paintings from children ranging in age from five to 15 years old who attend the Children’s School of Folk Art in Lviv, Ukraine. The show will run from April 9 to 16 in the studio at CVAC in Duncan.

“The goal is to raise funds for Ukraine in the best way we know: through art,” said Susan Down, managing director at CVAC. “Art is an effective way to touch people’s hearts so we reached out to a Ukrainian artists group in Canada which connected us with the school in Ukraine.” The funds will be donated to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Already, after hearing about the show, an anonymous donor has agreed to double the first $300 donations.

The images are powerful, from fighter planes and exploding buildings to dreams of peace, and the young artists’ statements are equally evocative. “For me war is a constant sound of sirens, fear of losing home, falling asleep and never waking up. But I believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in our victory,” wrote 11-year-old Solomiya.

Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri 11-4 pm, Saturdays 12-4 pm 

Donations can be made in person (credit card, cash or cheque) or by e-transfer to contact@cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca (with Ukraine in the message line).