Art from the Heart series to launch

TWO local businesses have banded together to help a Torquay resident bring her “art from the heart” concept to life.

Sou’West Brewery and CorePlus Torquay are thrilled to be helping host a new art masterclass series that has a special philanthropic arm.

The sessions are being run by Ukranian fashion designer Natalia Skiba, who is starting a new life in Australia after having to flee her home country due to conflict in 2022.

Natalia Skiba (left) with the cohort at her trial masterclass event last week. Photo: SAM TENCH

The Art from the Heart masterclasses will focus on creating a festive mood through oil and acrylic drawings, dot drawing on glass and ceramics, building author dolls and by creating 3D paintings with dried flowers.

All the money raised from the classes will be donated directly to Ukrainian children in need, providing them with essential supplies like food, clean water, nappies, and baby formula.

The funds raised at the soft opening have already allowed Ukranian children to buy bags of food during the last week. Photo: SUPPLIED

Ms Skiba, who has been looking for a location to host her masterclasses for the last several months, said she was lost for words when some kind locals and their business put their hand up to help her out.

“I am very happy because we are going to do such amazing things with these classes.

“To do art for peace is so special, and this is art from our hearts. Something small like this is going to be make so much of a difference.

“I message Ishbel from Sou’West and Niki from CorePlus Torquay every day to tell them how thankful I am for them.

“These wonderful girls have helped to design the website, write it all and set everything up.

“We already did a little trial class last week and the funds have already gone to where it is needed in Ukraine, to kids close to the Russian border. They are so happy to have the opportunity to have food.

“I am just so grateful for all of it and can’t wait to share it with others.”

Niki Currie, Natalia Skiba and Ishbel McAleer. Photo: NATHAN RIVALLAND

CorePlus Torquay co-owner Niki Currie said it has been a privilege to help Natalia bring art from the heart to life.

“She’s been a member at the studio for the last twelve months and it all just started by having a coffee.

“I was amazed by her story. It really pulled at my heartstrings and continues to bring me to tears.

“I rang around to some local businesses and also to Ishbel at Sou’West and we knew we had to help her out.

“Natalia has a heart of gold and to think she’s sending her money back to Ukraine and these kids in need is just amazing.

“It means so much to her, and to us.”

Natalia Skiba is hoping the art sessions will help to raise awareness and vital funds for children affected by the war in Ukraine. Photos: SAM TENCH

Sou’West Brewery operations manager, Ishbel McAleer said the business is so excited to be helping out with the concept.

“We are just so honoured to be helping out.

“We always love finding ways we can help out and be apart of the community and this is one of them.

“To see how happy Natalia is about making a difference is very inspiring, and if we can help her do that, then we are so proud to be doing something so meaningful.”