AN ARTS foundation has presented the borough council with a painting to recognise Test Valley's support for Ukraine.
A painting by Maryna Melnyk, entitled 'Our Sun is Already Rising', was presented to Test Valley Borough Council at a full council meeting on Wednesday, October 25, on behalf of The Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF).
The painting was gifted to the borough council at the council offices in Andover by the board of trustees representing the arts charity, which has been running for 30 years.
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According to public records, 455 Ukrainian refugees came to Test Valley as a result of the ongoing war, with 325 host families in the borough supporting them.
The Test Valley Arts Foundation board of trustees, which includes honorary treasurer John Dumper, co-secretary Michael Moore, Dorothy Baverstock, David Drew, Michael Johnson, Roy Perry, Georgiana Robertson and Sue Messa, who were unanimous in the decision to purchase the original work, exhibited recently at the Broughton Village Art Show.
Test Valley mayor Cllr Philip Lashbrook introduced both the arts foundation, the artist Maryna Melnyk and the painting at the full meeting of the council, bestowing a 10-minute platform for the presentation of the artwork which will now reside in the public area of the council offices in Andover.
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Chairman of TVAF, Yinnon Ezra, said: "The purchase, besides being an excellent piece of visual art, is a symbol of our support for Ukraine's struggle to retain independence.
"The presentation to TVBC is both to re-enforce this and also highlight, and thank, the support the community of the Test Valley is continuing to give to a number of Ukrainian families who have made a temporary home in our borough."
The Test Valley Arts Foundation was established as a charitable organisation in 1991 by Michael Colvin MP for Romsey, to encourage, promote and support culture and the arts within the Borough of the Test Valley to enrich and enhance the quality of life.
Over the last 30 years, the charity has facilitated, supported and promoted cultural and creative opportunities for all within the Test Valley borough.
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