Massive Art Project Supporting Ukrainian Soldiers
The initiative for the large quilt belongs to Australian artist Jeanette McLaughlin, who started the project in the early days of the invasion.
Recently, the first 600 meters of the world's largest patchwork quilt, «Sunflower Quilt For Ukraine — Patchwork of Victory», were unveiled near the Great Lavra Bell Tower, as reported by the National Preserve «Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra».
This quilt, crafted by artisans from over 25 countries, has become a symbol of international support for Ukrainian soldiers and serves as a fundraising tool for reconstructive surgeries for defenders who have suffered severe injuries on the front lines.
The event was part of Ukrainian Fashion Week. It was made possible with the help of the Charity Fund «Doctors for Heroes», the Charity Fund «YANKO», the Ukrainian Quilter's Association, Pechersk District Administration, and other concerned partners.
Guests had the opportunity not only to see the unique quilt but also to add their symbolic patches with messages.
This project, initiated by an Australian artist, aims to reach a length of 1100 meters by the end of next summer.
If successful, the quilt will be recorded in the Book of Records of Ukraine and a submission will be made to the Guinness World Records. The entire process will be accompanied by fundraising for the needs of the soldiers.
In the future, the quilts will be part of international exhibitions and later donated to military hospitals as a symbol of support and gratitude towards the defenders.
«This project is larger than a peaceful protest against war. We know the powerful restorative strength of patchwork in an emotional sense, but now we call on our friends and partners in Ukraine and beyond to support the reconstructive surgeries of the military. This is also patchwork that allows our heroes to return to life,» noted Maria Nelga, head of the Ukrainian Quilter's Association.
«The quilt will continue to be created until it reaches a length of 1100 meters — the distance from the beginning to the end of Khreshchatyk, to cover the main street of Ukraine next year,» said Natalia Liutikova, founder of the „Doctors for Heroes“ charity fund. — The initiative, named „Sunflower Quilt For Ukraine — Patchwork of Victory“, aims to attract the attention of creative individuals in various countries to support Ukraine, the wounded military, and to highlight the extraordinary achievements of Ukrainian surgeons in reconstructive facial surgery.”
A fundraising campaign has been opened in Ukraine to support this initiative.
Additionally, as part of the project, an exhibition titled «Unbreakable Patchwork» featuring works by artisans has been opened, which will last in the bell tower until September 15, daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
