Art Class Project (Kunstpause) started with two small classes at St. Augustine’s of Canterbury (Wiesbaden) in 2024 and has grown to seven different classes that host over 60 people each week in a year and a half. “We are excited that we can provide a space for moms, children and teens who are displaced because of the war in Ukraine to feel safe and to thrive,” said Anastasiia Synytsia program director.
The group started with painting classes for Ukrainians of all ages and classes for moms with small children to have a chance to relax and talk about the difficulties and challenges they were facing. That class has ended but the painting classes, as well as art therapy sessions with a psychologist, continue. Art Class Project now hosts two programs for kids: The Magic Alphabet is for smaller children and devoted to learning and reading in Uranian. The Ukrainian Super Club hosts various activities for older children. There is also a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) group and a chess club for teenagers. The Circle of Decorative and Applied Arts is for senior women who do embroidery and bead work.
The group has grown so large that they are using a second location, according to Synytsia. The new location on Kleine Schwalbacherstr. enables them to host more classes and have a Ukrainian lending library. “We started at St. Augustine’s but it became too crowded, so this new space also lets us have a library.”
“We’ve had a lot of success in terms of growth, but I’m also pleased about the individuals we see that are thriving,” Synytsia said. “One young boy – Danylo – is about 14 and very shy, especially among kids his own age. He joined the chess club, which is led by a man, and it’s really nice to observe how he’s becoming involved. The respect and trust he shows his teacher, as well as his determination to learn the chess combinations, is encouraging.”
Another story of growth is a mom who originally came to the young mom’s group with a newborn and an older daughter. “She started as a participant, but she told me: ‘I feel like St A’s is part of my home. I feel at ease here, I can be myself here.’ By the end of the first year, she volunteered to be one of the teachers in the Magic Alphabet group. She’s thriving; everyone loves her,” noted Synytsia.
“I am so glad that we agreed to host this project,” added St. Augustine’s rector, Chris Easthill. “It’s such a joy to see the church being used for such a great purpose during the week. And we have enjoyed Ukrainian hospitality in return when they have organized concerts and provided delicious food!”
