Gables to host Ukrainian folk art ornament workshop fundraiser

The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association and Dobro New England will hold a ‘Paint and Sip’ workshop on Sunday, November 6, at 2 p.m., in the Visitor Center at 115 Derby Street. The event is the first in a series of three that The Gables will sponsor in collaboration with Dobro New England, a New Hampshire-based organization that manages Ukrainian relief efforts.

Participants will enjoy wine and pastries while learning the Ukrainian folk art of Petrykivka painting. Advance registration is required, and the cost for the holiday ornament workshop is $70 per participant. All proceeds from the event will benefit the relief efforts.

Dakota Russell, executive director of The Gables Settlement Association, said this partnership with Dobro continues the mission envisioned by Gables’ founder and activist Caroline Emmerton. “For more than 100 years, The House of the Seven Gables has worked to give immigrants and refugees a place to tell their stories,” Russell said. “We are honored to partner with the resettled Ukrainian community on the North Shore to raise awareness about the ongoing attacks against their home country.”

The Petrykivka folk art style, which originated in the 1700s, has become symbolic of Ukrainian culture. Works feature colorful flowers and other natural elements based on careful observation of the local flora and fauna. During this workshop, participants will create their own holiday ornaments with instruction by artist Svitlana Rozghon. All materials will be provided. Rozghon is also a leader in the local nonprofit, Dobro New England. This women-led organization provides humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and raises awareness about Ukraine in the United States. "Dobro” means “kindness” in Ukrainian.

Other Gables’–Dobro collaborations this year include a winter clothing drive and two presentations on the arts, culture and history of Ukraine. On November 11, at 2 p.m., Oleksandra Kovalchuk, acting director of the Odesa Fine Arts Museum in Ukraine, will share 10 exceptional works of Ukrainian art and culture from early Byzantine mosaics to contemporary works. On December 4, at 2 p.m., Emily Channell-Justice, director of the Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program at the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard, will discuss Ukraine’s history, provide background on the ongoing Russian invasion, and explore potential future outcomes for Ukraine and the world.

Dobro New England focuses on the plight of Ukrainians abroad and the deep cultural bonds that connect those in the U.S. with their homeland. A winter clothing and supplies drive seeks items such as hand and feet warmers, socks, gloves, thermals, boots, blankets, and sleeping bags for the people of Ukraine. Those who wish to donate can drop new and gently used items off at the admissions desk at The House of the Seven Gables. Financial and Amazon wish list contributions can also be made to Dobro New England at www.dobroinc.org.