Painting the Future was established as a nonprofit to provide displaced children with art workshops as an opportunity for children to express themselves and find solace through their creativity. Our mission is to give displaced children art materials, guidance and encouragement to find joy in colors and light despite their hardship, to empower local artists to lead these workshops, and to identify and seek essential items that may benefit displaced children.

As we spent more time with internally displaced children in Ukraine, we quickly realized art could provide them with a powerful outlet to express themselves in an uplifting and positive light. We started organized art programs where experienced artists would guide these children through art activities like painting, drawing, and sketching. We hosted our first several art workshops in Ukraine in 2022 and saw how artmaking was able to transport these children from their trauma-filled lives and provide them with moments of hope, peace, and happiness despite their traumatic circumstances. Our intention is to give a children a way of processing their experiences – beyond words – and provide hope for brighter days ahead.

The events unfolding in Ukraine is something that all cultures throughout time have grappled with and strived for, even in suppress societies – the struggle for freedom and the strength of democracy – and makes humans interconnected across space and time. While living in Ukraine, I sadly learned from countless Ukrainians that the Ukrainian population has been fighting for their freedom since their inception. As democratic societies, we can support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for peace and freedom by giving a voice to the Ukrainian people and supplementing efforts for peace and freedom in Ukraine.

Visit our website at paintingthefuture.org or follow us on our Facebook or Instagram to learn more. Additionally support us through our merch shop.

Painting the Future is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EIN: 92-0871128

#7 A Prayer before Battle By Roman Barabakh