Art therapy for children on the terrace of Premier Palace Hotel Kyiv

On 10 August, 2022 Art Studio “Creative Kitchen” held a painting master class for children whose parents are right now defending the country. Young artists draw things that they associate with Ukraine.

The stress caused by the war and its consequences has a negative impact on mental health of children who remain in Ukraine. Visual arts can be a powerful therapy which was proven to be true, especially for people with trauma. Thought creativity people of all ages can express themselves, and therefore reinterpret the stress and release emotional tension.

"I drew the Neptune rockets, and this is the occupiers' ship. It’s sinking. And there are fish at the bottom and they are laughing," explains Mykhaylo, 11 years old. Other children’s paintings depicted sunflowers, heaven and hell, an angel in an embroidered shirt, and the Carpathian Mountains, which a lot of Ukrainians associate with safety. Children shared their feelings through colours and had a great time.

The art therapy event took place within the framework of the international charity project of contemporary art "Baranovsky. Ukraine. Children". The exhibition of paintings by Andrii Baranovsky  and his young colleagues is currently on the first floor of the hotel.  The exhibition is open until 2 September, 2022 and will end with the charity auction on the last day. All the collected funds will be directed to help the affected Ukrainian children.