We are deeply grateful to @Armagh Robinson Library & No5 for opening its doors — and its heart — to host the Charity Exhibition & Art sale – Icons on Ammunition Boxes from Ukraine, the first of its kind here in Northern Ireland.

These artworks, created by Kyiv artists Sonya Atlantova and Oleksandr Klymenko, are more than just paintings. They are a powerful symbol of transformation — turning fragments of ammunition boxes brought from the war zone into sacred icons, where instruments of death are reborn as symbols of life, hope, and faith.

For us, as a Ukrainian community, this exhibition is profoundly personal.

It carries the voices of our homeland — the pain, the courage, the resilience — and reminds us that even in the darkest moments, light can emerge.

Our sincere gratitude to the Library team, especially the Very Revd Shane Forster and Carol Conlin, for their warmth, support, and understanding. You are true friends of Ukraine.

Special thanks to the Honorary Consul for Ukraine in Northern Ireland, Alan Moore OBE TD DL, for his constant help and support; to Florrie Hoey and her family for their kindness and the beautiful blue-and-yellow bouquet; and to Tommy Barr, a wonderful Northern Irish artist, who generously shared his experience and invaluable advice in organising the exhibition.

We are also deeply thankful to Godfrey McCartney, Good Relations Manager at Belfast City Council — your presence meant so much to us — and to Agrippa Njanina, Assistant Curator of the National Museums of Northern Ireland. We truly hope this will be the beginning of future collaboration.

It is impossible to name everyone, but from the bottom of our hearts — thank you to all who took part, who were there with us, and who will come to see the exhibition in the days ahead.

The exhibition runs until 24 October — we invite you to visit, to pause, and to reflect, to see how art can turn sorrow into strength, and destruction into creation.

If you missed the opening, don’t worry — the exhibition continues until 24th October 2025 at Armagh Robinson Library (Mon–Fri, 10am–1pm & 2pm–4pm).

📍 Armagh Robinson Library, 43 Abbey St, Armagh
🗓 9–24 October 2025
💛 All proceeds go towards ambulance and medical aid for Ukraine.

Together, we stand for life. Together, we stand for peace.

Image credit: Ian Maginess & Oleh Herman

(* With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland.)