INFOCUS

HEALING THROUGH ART

ONE ARTIST AT A TIME

WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

The recently opened Mission Arts Center offers unique works of art from local and international artists, including those from Ukraine. In addition, the center offers art wellness classes, and hosts a number of exhibitions, programs, and events.

Lyudmyla Savinkova is the owner and director of this unique artist haven. As a Ukrainian herself, she has dreamed for years of opening her own art gallery to widen public access to the art scene in the Kansas City area. She assures her space is a welcoming addition, adding new dimensions to what our city offers.

“At the center, we have several Ukrainian artists on display. With the war in my home country affecting millions of people, Ukrainian artists are expressing their opposition to the ongoing atrocities, and their voice needs to be amplified,” she says. “Ukrainian art and culture have ancient roots, and traditions are so rich that it’s worth learning about them. I am happy to facilitate this process.”

Marta Pitchuk is one of the Ukrainian artists with art on display. Her colorful oil paintings are the perfect example of how a creative mind with skillful hands can make cultural treasures step into contemporary relevance. Pitchuk is excited to be part of the KC art world through Mission Arts Center, commenting, “Today, during the war, every corner of the world should be talking about us—about Ukraine. I am glad that I can speak with my paintings across the ocean. My boundless gratitude to the curator of the exhibition Lyudmyla Savinkova.”

Another Ukrainian artist, currently based in Shawnee, Kansas, is Roma Yaroshchak. Her style differs from Pitchuk’s, which provides a glimpse into the diverse Ukrainian art scene. Yaroshchak paints her emotional

Pictured:

Lyudmyla Savinkova, Owner and Director of Mission Arts Center

world, a world filled with secrets, joy, and humor.

Savinkova also has American artists’ works. Bringing together these two cultures of the old and new worlds provides their audience with an exciting and thought-provoking mix.

Savinkova has been creating since childhood and discovered the healing power of the art-making process early on. This is why her education naturally went toward art therapy counseling.

“I love helping others. To me, art therapy is a perfect blend of art and science that provides a dynamic, unique, and irreplaceable therapeutic practice which addresses various types of individuals and groups from different ages, social, cultural, and economic backgrounds,” she continues. “At the center, we offer individual and group art therapy sessions. Through art, our wellness process focuses on establishing a therapeutic relationship in a safe, comfortable space where all are welcome.”

She stresses that the difference between art therapy and regular art classes is that there is no right or wrong way of making things or using art materials. Their focus is usually on the creative process, never judging or comparing. Art is used for self-expression and self-reflection, and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help people process complex emotions and feelings.

Under her guidance, clients work on improving communication skills, relationships, self-esteem, and other life-enhancing skills, learning different techniques and using materials at their own pace and level.

They welcome the public to view artwork on display, shop for artful gifts, and sign up for individual or group art wellness classes. They also offer the space for various events with flexible scheduling and competitive rates.

In addition to the Ukrainian artists mentioned above, they represent talented and accomplished local artists, including Wes Casey. Casey is a sculptor working with mixed media and found objects to create representational work for public and private col-

“Amazing ambiance, striking art! A place for mindful healing.”

continued on page 26

lections. He studied figure painting and sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute and photorealism painting through an apprenticeship at the studio of master painter Mark Christopher Weber.

“He has traveled extensively throughout Europe, North Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and Alaska, studying those cultures’ religious and iconic art,” Savinkova explains. “His work has been shown at several galleries in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas.”

One of the center’s clients commented, “Amazing ambiance, striking art! A place for mindful healing.”

Mission Arts Center has diversified our local art scene by offering unique works of art from Ukrainian and local artists and healing through art making.

Mission Arts Center • missionarts.center.com • 6124 Johnson Drive, Mission, KS • 913.270.7077 SIMPLYkc Special • For the first 200 users, they are offering 20% OFF classes and facility rentals. Enter the code SIMPLYkc20 on their website or mention it in person.