Dr. Angela Brintlinger & poets Julia Kolchinsky and Luisa Muradyan

On Friday, February 21st almost 80 people gathered in the Barnett Center Collaboratory to celebrate the opening of the Ukraine: Sheltering in Place art exhibit. The exhibit, which features the artwork of Olga Morozova and students from the College of Arts and Design of the Kyiv National University of Technology and Design will hang in Sullivant Hall from February 17th—28th.

Dr. Yana Hashamova opened the reception by talking about the grant and the work of graduate student grantees. She then turned the floor over to the Armed Conflicts and Im/mobility grant recipients. Those who were able to join us shared about their research and findings. The posters remained up for the rest of the night so that attendees could read about these excellent projects.

Lejla Vesković with her project “Russian Mind in the Montenegrin World.”

Alberto Vega Rivera talks about their project “Ultrallanos: Stay and Resist.”

Following the poster presentations, Dr. Angela Brintlinger opened the poetry and music section of the evening with a reflection on art in a time of war. Pianist Olena Mladenova then began her musical performance with a classical Ukrainian set, including Myroslav Skoryk’s “Melody,” Sergiy Bortkewich’s “Prelude,” and Myroslav Skoryk’s “Waltz from Partita.”

Poet Julia Kolchinsky

Poet Luisa Muradyan

Julia Kolchinsky was the first poet to read her work. Her emotional performance moved the audience; her words resonated with both frustration and mirth. Next, Luisa Muradyan read from her collection of humorous, yet poignant work. Witnessing these performances live was truly special.

Mladenova’s second set comprised Ukrainian folk songs, including a new piece composed by Mladenova’s friend, making Ukraine: Sheltering in Place its world premiere!

After the performances many of the guests remained to mingle, admire the artwork and posters, and reflect on the evening.

Read more about the night’s presenters here