The museum of gifts at the Palace of Independence keeps a lot of exhibits: these are gifts from foreign leaders, diplomats, and guests of Belarus from all over the world. Exhibitions of works by venerable artists are often held in the Hall of Ceremonies. Meanwhile, the doors of the palace are open to all talented and enthusiastic Belarusians, and the New Horizons exhibition is the best proof of this. It features paintings drawn by the disabled persons under care of the Soligorsk Regional Territorial Centre for Social Services of the Population. These canvases are filled with sincerity and light, warmth and hope, and the whole country can now see them. Everyone coming to the palace will certainly feel that all sincere people, especially those who create with their hearts, are welcome here.
The Week of Parental Love is celebrated in Belarus between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with warmth and hope, and the Palace of Independence has supported the tradition: attention to loved ones is embodied in the beautiful, sincere and warm exhibition, which – as noted by Natalya Eismont, the Press Secretary of Belarus’ President – has become an important event not only for the authors of the paintings, but also for others. “These young people have gone through difficult times, but show everyone that anything is possible. Their works are born out of sincere emotions, and it is obvious how important this is to them. It is equally important that these paintings inspire all those who face difficulties at present,” she said.
The exhibition was organised by the Belarusian Union of Artists and the Soligorsk Children’s Art School. According to Ms. Eismont, this is the most touching exhibition in twelve years of her work, “A few months ago, colleagues from the Union of Artists offered to choose from five exhibitions. They all were professional works, but we saw something on the last pages of the offer that did not resemble anything else. We did not know who their authors were at the time, but we immediately felt an incredible brightness and sincerity.”
The children’s canvases feature flowers, landscapes, pets, and Christian shrines, irradiating kindness, warmth, joy and faith.
One of the paintings – The Road to the Temple – was donated to the President. It depicts the Church of the Intercession in the village of Chizhevichi, which marks its 230th anniversary this year. Author Artem Shulekovsky admitted that it was his dream to see his work in the Palace of Independence, “I like to draw and sing. Creativity is an important part of my life. I like kind songs, they inspire and help me strive for something new. I want the President to feel such emotions when he looks at my painting.”
Volunteer Olga Bolbas helped the young man. “I have been working with children for six years now, and I see them growing in their skills. They have a great sense of colour, and they get excited every time they get something new. At such moments, I realise that I am working not in vain. I am grateful to God that I can apply my knowledge and help other people.”
Young artists were awarded certificates for an interactive whiteboard and a music station, so that their classes at the centre would be organised in a cozy creative atmosphere.
