Test Valley Borough Council has been given a painting by a Ukrainian artist to mark the region's ongoing support for the country.
The Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF) presented a painting by Maryna Melnyk called Our Sun Is Already Rising.
It was handed over at the full council meeting on Wednesday, October 25.
Yinnon Ezra, chairman of TVAF, said: "The purchase, besides being an excellent piece of visual art, is a symbol of our support for Ukraine's struggle to retain independence. The presentation to TVBC is both to re-enforce this and also highlight, and thank, the support the community of the Test Valley is continuing to give to a number of Ukrainian families who have made a temporary home in our borough."
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According to public records, 455 Ukrainian refugees came to the Test Valley as a result of the ongoing war, with 325 host families in the borough supporting them.
The Test Valley Arts Foundation board of trustees, which include John Dumper, Michael Moore, Dorothy Baverstock, David Drew, Michael Johnson, Roy Perry, Georgiana Robertson and Sue Messa were unanimous in the decision to purchase the original work, exhibited recently at the Broughton Village Art Show.
Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Philip Lashbrook, introduced both Test Valley Arts Foundation, the artist Maryna Melnyk and the painting at the full meeting of the council, bestowing an unusual 10 minute platform for the presentation of the artwork which will now reside in the public area of the council offices in Andover.
Maryna said: “The painting is a 24 × 30 inches acrylic on canvas painting. This is a new work from the series Ukrainian Sun" first shown publicly for viewing at the exhibition in Broughton village in August.”
The Test Valley Arts Foundation was established as a charitable organisation in 1991 by Michael Colvin MP for Romsey, to encourage, promote and support culture and the arts within the borough of the Test Valley to enrich and enhance the quality of life in the borough. Over the last 30 years the charity has facilitated, supported and promoted cultural and creative opportunities for all within the Test Valley.
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