A Ukrainian artist is showing support for her home country through art and creative expression.
On Sunday, Feb. 5, Olga Necheporenko set up shop at the Wilton Collaborative Space to showcase her portrait and landscape paintings to the community. Local residents and aesthetes gazed at her collection of oil and watercolor paintings. In addition to the display, attendees could also participate in a silent auction for Necheporenko’s painting inspired by Wilton’s winter landscape.
As a professional artist, Necheporenko said her work reflects her love and compassion for Ukraine.
“I support Ukraine through my paintings,” said Necheporenko.
According to Necheporenko, 10 percent of every sale goes towards United24, a program that was started by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the goal of providing medical aid and defense resources for Ukrainian soldiers and refugees. For Necheporenko, the program resonates deeply with her family. Last February, Necheporenko, her husband Kyrylo and their son Simieon fled Ukraine after Russia invaded and sought refuge in the United States. After hearing about the family’s torment, the Jacobus family from Wilton decided to host the family in a house that they own to show their support for the family and all of Ukraine.
Alongside his wife Denise, Ken Jacobus said his experience in hosting the Necheporenko family is one he’ll never forget.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to help these people,” said Jacobus. “We have built a deep connection to Ukraine because of it.”
After settling into her new home, Necheporenko said she was surprised by the immense support from the community during her first artist reception in Wilton.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting this many people to come and support me and Ukrainians.”
Despite being more than 4,000 miles away from Ukraine, Kyrylo said it’s important to continue supporting his home country amid Russia’s aggression.
“Our hearts are in Ukraine with our people, our relatives and our friends,” he said. “It’s so important to support them.”
Olga Necheporenko will be hosting art lessons at the Wilton Collaborative Space in the near future. For information, visit the Wilton Collaborative Space on Facebook.
Trumpet Fine Arts Gallery at 8 Grove St. in Peterborough is also showing Necheporenko’s work. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday or by appointment at 603-801-4502.