On October 1, 2025, the grand opening of the exhibition “Ukraine Blooming, Ukraine Fertile!”, created by students and teachers of the Department of Professional Education in Technologies and Design at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), took place at the University’s Exhibition Centre “Art Space.” This exhibition is truly unique, as it showcases the creativity of students enrolled in the educational and professional programmes “Professional Education” and “Psychology”.

The event was officially opened by Oleksandra Olshanska, Acting Rector of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Doctor of Economics, Professor, and Distinguished Educator of Ukraine. Oleksandra Volodymyrivna noted that this event is particularly symbolic on 1 October, a triple holiday for every Ukrainian: Defender’s Day of Ukraine, the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks, and the great Christian feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos.
Ms. Olshanska also emphasised that the event is part of the celebrations marking the 95th anniversary of the founding of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. She stressed the importance of such occasions, where young people can express themselves creatively and present their artistic works together with their teachers.

The host of the event, Daria Bilotska, master student of the Department of Professional Education in Technologies and Design, noted that the exhibition is filled with the warmth and sincerity of the students’ works, each reflecting the soul of a young artist. She expressed her sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be present on this day among such beauty, inspiration, and talent, emphasizing that it is at such gatherings that a genuine sense of unity within the creative community is born.

Natalia Ostapenko, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, Doctor of Technical Sciences, and Professor, expressed her gratitude to Oleksandra Volodymyrivna for supporting young talents and recognising the importance of nurturing the creativity and abilities of young people. She noted that the bas-relief compositions featuring a multitude of vivid flowers, fruits, and vegetables remind us that life is fleeting, and the most precious gift it offers is time, which never stands still. According to Ms. Ostapenko, the exhibition carries a powerful ideological message and responds to the challenges of our time, “We are different, yet united by love for our native land”. At a moment when every day is a test of the national spirit, the exhibition serves as a manifestation of the creative unity of students and teachers – their reflection on current events, their search for new meanings, and their affirmation of faith in our Victory. At the end of her speech, Ms. Ostapenko wished the young creators beauty and harmony, inspiration, peace, and prosperity.

Guest speaker Alla Shevchenko, PhD in Psychology and Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Work Psychology of the Ivan Ziaziun Institute of Pedagogical Education and Adult Education of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, noted that the works presented by the Department reflected a profound sense of inner harmony. She emphasised that art helps to preserve mental health, restore emotional balance, and serves as a kind of therapy for the soul. According to her, the creative works of the Department’s students and teachers embody warmth, peace, and faith – values that modern people so urgently need today.

The guarantors of the Department’s educational and professional programmes, Inna Kosyak, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department and guarantor of the EPP “Professional Education”, and Alla Kolodyazhna, PhD, Associate Professor of the Department and guarantor of the EPP “Psychology”, also joined in the welcoming remarks and congratulations. They emphasised that the works on display vividly demonstrate the unity of creativity, professionalism, and spirituality. The guarantors noted that each piece reflects not only artistic talent, but also the students’ personal growth and their ability to understand both the world and themselves through art. According to them, the creative activity of the Department stands as important evidence that beauty, inspiration, and education are inseparable components of the inner harmony of a modern specialist.

The exhibition features unique works created using a variety of artistic techniques – papier-mâché by Psychology students, and three-dimensional textiles and leather by Professional Education students.

This project was made possible thanks to the support of Mykhailo Kulyniak, First Vice-Rector of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Candidate of Art History, as well as the contributions of our esteemed guests, teachers, and, of course, students.

Mykhailo Andriyovych recognised the active participants of the exhibition and presented them with certificates of honour in recognition of their professionalism and clear patriotic commitment.

Each exhibit was created based on photographs of real objects that served as prototypes. Additionally, every work was accompanied by an artistic essay explaining the meaning and symbolism of the piece, often in combination with traditional Ukrainian motifs, giving the exhibition a distinctive national character and depth.

The exhibition “Ukraine Blooming, Ukraine Fertile!” brought together art, psychology and pedagogy, demonstrating innovative approaches to creating unique exhibits and becoming a real platform for presenting the best achievements of young talents.

The exhibition “Ukraine Blooming, Ukraine Fertile!” at the KNUTD Exhibition Centre “Art Space” is now open to visitors. We warmly invite everyone to come and experience this unique showcase of student and teacher creativity!

06.10.2025