Ukrainian art therapy founder will discuss Russian invasion at local camp
A hidden gem just outside Emlenton along the Allegheny River will host an event that will allow residents to view the scenic 90-acre facility while learning about the Russian invasion of Ukraine from an artist who is a native and resident of the war-torn country.
All Saints Camp is partnering with the Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute to host Tetiana Mialkovska: Warm Hands Art Therapy from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the camp, 110 All Saints Road.
Mialkovska is a renowned Ukrainian artist who founded and directs the nonprofit Pyaternya in Ukraine.
Pyaternya’s mission is to provide art therapy to those affected by the war. Its Warm Hands program offers interventional trauma therapy for orphaned and displaced children, widows and soldiers whose lives have been torn apart.
Mialkovska’s presentation will illustrate how the arts can facilitate healing and its pivotal role in the resistance against the attempted annihilation of Ukraine, said Josh Oryhon, All Saints Camp director.
Oryhon said Mialkovska is spending October at various events in the Northeast U.S.
She also will speak at the American Association of Art Therapists Convention in Pittsburgh, the Consistory of the Ukraine Orthodox Church of the USA in New Jersey, the Ukrainian American Museum in Ohio and other venues before enjoying a grand reception at the Mattress Factory Art Museum in Pittsburgh.
“The fact that she’s coming to the camp is an amazing thing for us,” Oryhon said.
He said Mialkovska will lead attendees in an art project while describing the Warm Hands project.
She also will give a presentation on the Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute, which supports the Warm Hands project.
“We want to educate people on the impact of the war in Ukraine,” Oryhon said. “Russia is essentially trying to wipe our history, our art and our culture off the map.”
He said the importance of Mialkovska’s art therapy program in Ukraine will be highlighted.
“That’s really what we’re interested in showing, the work that Tetiana has done and the issues going on in Ukraine,” Oryhon said.
Oryhon also will speak on the war at the event.
While Mialkovska will appear in the camp’s Millennium Cultural Center, three other areas of the camp will host activities or presentations.
A projector and screen in the camp’s pavilion will run videos on Mialkovska’s work as well as information on the camp, which can be rented for weddings, family reunions, seminars or other functions.
Charcuterie and other refreshments will be available in the dining hall.
A Byzantine iconographer will be located in St. Thomas Chapel at the camp. The chapel replicates those in Ukraine in its construction, which used no nails or screws.
“You need to see it to believe it,” Oryhon said.
The iconographer in the church will discuss the art and icons on display in the holy space.
Oryhon said he hopes residents who attend the event will be moved by what they see.
“I really hope it shows the reality of what our brothers and sisters in Ukraine are dealing with,” he said.
He hopes those attending will appreciate how a positive program such as Warm Hands can emerge from the darkness of the war in Ukraine, where bombs continue to drop daily and thousands are living in fear.
“That’s what I hope folks see,” Oryhon said. “Dealing with overwhelming negativity, how do you use that as an agent for positive change?”
He said those who are concerned about Ukraine or who want to learn more about the invasion should come to the event.
“If you’re on the fence about coming, just come,” Oryhon said. “We will show how art can facilitate change, and that’s the icing on the cake, for me.”
