A beautiful new exhibition at the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness is giving voice to the experiences of Ukrainian refugees who have made Orkney their home.
Opening on Friday 13 June, Milestones: A Journey in Colour brings together a moving collection of artwork and personal stories created by eight Ukrainian refugees now living in the islands.
Each piece reflects their journey of healing, resilience and hope, after being forced to flee their homeland due to the war.
Timed to coincide with Refugee Festival Scotland, the exhibition runs until 23 June and is supported by Orkney Islands Council as part of its ongoing work to help Ukrainian families rebuild their lives.
The project has been guided by Nataliia Kuzmina, the Council’s Project Manager for Resettlement Schemes, who works closely with refugees as they settle into the community.
Housing, education, language learning and social support are all vital parts of this process.
But as Nataliia explains, creativity also plays a crucial role in helping people process trauma and regain a sense of belonging.
“Over the past year, we have run regular art sessions that offer more than just a space for creativity,” she says.
“They have become places where people can connect, express their emotions and share their journeys with others.
“This exhibition celebrates each small but significant step.
“Whether it is the confidence to pick up a paintbrush, learn a new language or simply feel at home once more, each piece tells a powerful story of courage and growth.”
The works on display explore a wide range of emotions.
Some capture grief and longing for a lost life, while others reflect moments of connection and quiet triumph in adapting to new surroundings.
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education and Leisure Committee, believes the exhibition offers a valuable window into the resilience of the human spirit.
“It invites us all to understand the lived experiences of those who have had to start again,” she says.
“Every milestone shown here is a testament not only to their strength but also to the warmth and support of the Orkney community.”
Isla Holloway, Marketing and Customer Services Manager at the Pier Arts Centre, says the team is honoured to host such a thoughtful and inspiring exhibition.
“We are delighted to share these beautiful works and stories by such a courageous group of women,” she says.
“This continues a connection we first established in 2019, when we hosted Ukrainian artist Oleksandra Kadzevych through a British Council residency.
“It is wonderful to be able to support this creative group and showcase their voices.”
The Pier Arts Centre, home to a nationally significant collection of modern and contemporary art, is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm.
Full details can be found at www.pierartscentre.com.
