Hugs From Friends, a 501c3 organization based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is reaching across the globe to show support for the people in Ukraine. They are partnering with Arkansas Arts Academy and Art on the Bricks to issue a Call for Art. The community is invited to participate in sharing art on paper as part of a Northwest Arkansas people-to-people exchange between students in Arkansas and students in Ukraine.

Locally, Arkansas Arts Academy students have been studying Ukrainian culture, art, music, and history. They are creating art and creating videos of choreograped performances to share with students in Ukraine and demonstrate  their solidarity and support.  Organizers are partnering with savED–an organization based in Chernihiv, Ukraine–dedicated to rebuilding schools destroyed in the war. This collaboration will enable students in Arkansas to learn more about the horrible situation in Ukraine and connect their classrooms directly to the students in Chernihiv through artwork and videos.

Artists of all ages are welcome to participate! If you would like to share art or positive messages of support to be sent to children in Ukraine, please deliver or mail your art by May 1, 2023 to: 

Rogers Lowell Chamber Art on the Bricks
317 W Walnut Street
Rogers, AR 72756

Suggested size of art on paper, 4" x 6" up to 8 1/2" x 11"

GUIDELINES FOR ART

Artwork Guidelines for Hugs From Friends
On the bottom of your artwork, please write your first name only (and age if art is by children.)

Helpful tips

Make Artwork Big, Bright and Colorful!
Make sure words a legible and easy to read

Good Things to Say

Though many of the kids do not speak English fluently, it is OK to write messages in English. Suggested phrases:

• We support you
• We stand with you
• We are thinking about you
• You are important
• Sending you a big hug
• Sending you love
• You are great

Suggested Themes & Ideas

• Friendship: kids holdig hands and playing together
• World Peace: peace symbol, doves
• Symbols from America: American flag, your state flag, your state shape
• Symbols and colors of Ukraine: Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow, sunflower
• Nature: rainbows, flowers, trees sun, beach, mountains
• Sports: soccer, basketball, swimming
• Animals: dogs, cats, fish, birds, bunnies

Things NOT to Say or Include:

• Your last name
• Drawings or images of war
• Anti-Russian images or messages
• Religious images or messages (Hugs from Friends doesn't assume anyone's faith)
• References to "home" or "going home"
• Prediction of the future, ie. "the war will be over soon"
• Any message that does not convey a happy and supportive theme

For more information, contact:

Hugs From Friends
1402 SE S Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
Telephone: 479-222-0877
Email: [email protected]
www.hugsfromfriends.org

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