43 Canal Studio presents “Beauty Saves My Soul,” an exhibition of paintings by Ukrainian artist Laura Romaniuk.
The show opens Nov. 5 in the gallery behind New Hope Arts, 39 W. Bridge St., New Hope. It runs through Nov. 30, with an opening reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19. The reception features an opportunity to meet Romaniuk’s daughter, Anna Bogdanyk, who is responsible for bringing her mother’s paintings to the United States.
Visitors can also stop in the three other Canal Walk Studios that will be open for 3rd Saturday.
Artist Laura Romaniuk lived her entire life in Ukraine until the war broke out on Feb. 24. Eight days after the war started, she fled her home in Kiev amid continual shelling and shootings. In a state of panic and fear, Romaniuk evacuated by train, traveling across the border of Ukraine and then to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France. With the help of the Red Cross, she eventually settled in a small town near Madrid, Spain.
Thanks to a kind shop owner who gifted her with a set of paints and brushes, Romaniuk now paints at a local art store in Spain. She uses bright colors to reflect the harmony she feels in nature and often paints landscapes, especially views of the sea and ocean. The exhibit at 43 Canal Studio features acrylic and oil paintings Romaniuk made in Ukraine right before the war started and paintings inspired by Romaniuk’s explorations of her new community.
An accomplished artist and writer, Romaniuk has worked in a variety of mediums. In Ukraine, she made traditional Ukrainian dolls and painted on wood. She is the author of “The Key to Discovering Your Child’s Talent,” a book that teaches how to nurture children’s natural artistic talent. In Ukraine, she taught children’s painting classes, ran art workshops, and exhibited her work throughout the country.
Romaniuk said she believes, “Beauty saves the world when it’s in everyone’s heart and soul.” She is grateful for the opportunity to share her vision of beauty with Americans.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
