Introduction: the power of art to heal and unite
Art can be so many things – a reflection, a rebellion, a memory, a vision. But sometimes, art becomes something even more: an act of compassion. On 27 April 2025, I had the privilege to participate in the Art for Peace charity auction – an event that brought together artists, organisers, and supporters in an emotional gathering aboard the historic Medway Queen.
This wasn’t just an auction. It was a deeply human moment – a time to give back, to remember, and to support those facing war with our brushes, palettes, and hearts. As someone who once thought that creativity was a private escape, I’ve come to see how painting can become a collective act of kindness.
The Medway Queen: a ship with a legacy of rescue
Before diving into the auction, I’d like to honour the venue itself. The Medway Queen isn’t just a ship – it’s a survivor and a symbol. Famously known for rescuing over 7,000 soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War II, this paddle steamer has become part of Kent’s living history.
Today, this brave vessel needs help too. Funds are currently being raised to restore her historic engine, ensuring that future generations can continue to connect with her story. And it felt incredibly symbolic: a ship that once saved lives becoming the home of an event aiming to save others, in another
Medway Help for Ukrainians: a community initiative
The Art for Peace auction was organised by Medway Help for Ukrainians, a local charity group dedicated to supporting those affected by the war in Ukraine. This was the second time they had organised a charity event – but the first time they had opened their hearts and stage to artists.
Lana Sirlan ( Founder)
An open call was sent out: artists were invited to donate original works to support a cause that, for many of us, hits painfully close to home. It wasn’t about exposure. It wasn’t about career growth. It was about connection. About doing what we can, where we are, with what we have.
Why i chose to participat
I won’t pretend the decision came easily. Even though I’ve shared my journey as an artist, I still often feel the echo of my inner perfectionist: “Who are you to call this art? Who would want this?” But when the call came – to give, to share, to contribute – something inside me shifted.
I donated eight of my original watercolours from 2023 – watercolours that capture Chernivtsi, the city where I spent over 30 years of my life. These paintings aren’t just visuals; they’re emotional maps of memory, grief, and healing. Offering them to the auction felt deeply personal.
A gathering of hearts
More than 20 artists took part, offering over 60 artworks that covered a wide range of subjects – from ships and landscapes to portraits and abstract expressions. The variety was stunning. So were the results: over £2000 raised during the auction. That number might seem modest to some, but what it represents is huge.
Each pound raised translated into medical aid, clothing, and water flasks for those on the frontlines. Real support. Real items. Real impact.
Why these events matter (far beyond the numbers)
Charity events like these are not about financial gain – they’re about human exchange. About giving form to empathy. They remind us that even in displacement, even across borders, our humanity remains intact.
One of the most touching moments for me happened after the auction, in a conversation with a friend who serves on the front. He told me that during rare quiet moments, he and his comrades watch videos from my YouTube channel. “They calm us,” he said. “They remind us of home.”
That’s when I truly felt the impact of this event – not just in the items shipped but in the sense of emotional presence that art can provide.
When art becomes a bridge
It’s easy to feel helpless when we’re far away from those who suffer. But art is a bridge – between people, between emotions, between seemingly disconnected worlds. As artists, we often seek meaning in what we create. Events like Art for Peace show us that our creations can carry meaning beyond us.
In donating my work, I wasn’t just giving away paintings. I was offering stories, glimpses of beauty, and the comforting presence of a familiar skyline. And in return, I received something priceless – the knowledge that my art could accompany someone in their most vulnerable moment.
A note of gratitude
I want to thank Medway Help for Ukrainians for making this possible. And to every artist who participated – thank you for your courage and generosity. To those who bid, who came, who supported – you’ve shown that Kent is not just a county; it’s a community.
And of course, to the crew preserving the Medway Queen, thank you for keeping her afloat – both literally and symbolically.
You can watch a video report from the day here:
Key takeaways for artists
- Look for meaningful opportunities to contribute your work beyond traditional galleries.
- Understand that art as service is a powerful and often underestimated tool.
- Don’t wait for perfect conditions – create and give with what you have.
- Local charity events are a chance to form connections that go beyond followers and sales.
Participating in Art for Peace reminded me of something I often speak about in my work with feminine marketing: we don’t need to pressure, convince, or convert. We simply need to show up authentically, offer our gifts, and trust that they will reach those who need them most.
I hope this inspires more artists to create with intention and to participate in initiatives that mirror their values. Because art doesn’t just decorate walls – it transforms lives.