Scottish Maritime Museum to host Ukrainian made exhibition

The Scottish Maritime Museum will be hosting the ‘Secrets of Success’ exhibition that was devised by the North Ayrshire Ukrainian community.

It opens at the museum on Thursday, October 3 and finishes at the end of the month.

Jennifer Pless, community engagement and development officer at the maritime museum, said: “We are thrilled to work with members of the North Ayrshire Ukrainian community once again and, this time, on the first major community exhibition we have hosted at the museum.

“It has been so rewarding to see everyone work together to bring the story of their journey to Scotland and life here in Irvine to life, each contributing in ways that suited their interests and skills.

"Do the intrepid adventurers find their Secret of Success? Everyone will need to come and see the exhibition to find out.”

The exhibition runs from October 3 until October 31. (Image: Scottish Maritime Museum) This display was developed with the support of the museum team and artist Ellie Swanston, and took inspiration from Jules Verne, his visits to Scotland and his tales of journeys across the world taken by sea.

Valentyna, an exhibition artist, said: “Our classes were very interesting to me; I could try different creative techniques and gain new ideas for my creativity.

"It was fantastic art therapy, and it helped me cope with the enormous stress of moving for the seventh time in two years.” 

Through the medium of lino printing and storytelling, the Ukrainian contributors, who ranged from eight to retirement age, explore the notion of ‘adventure’ and their own journey across the world between Glasgow and Odesa in Ukraine.

The exhibition is accompanied by an interpretative story which is written by one of the participants and ties all the individual artworks together.

Entry to the exhibition is included in museum admission where up to three children go free with each adult/concession ticket.