Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Natalia Skyba faced a heart-wrenching decision to leave her homeland, her family and her friends, seeking safety for her then eight year old daughter when the war broke out. Along with Natalia’s parents, they fled Ukraine with only their backpacks, enduring four days of non-stop driving, minus 20-degree temperatures, and constant stops to guards with guns. They finally arrived in Greece absolutely exhausted, but safe.

Upon arrival Natalia set up a refugee centre with her sister to help provide a safe place to the other Ukrainian people, who like them had fled their country. They had plenty of donations, but the demand started to outrun the amount they needed.

Natalia, a fashion designer by trade is also an exceptionally gifted artist, and had previously ran classes to connect with local women in her community in Kyiv. Her project ‘Natalka Art’ was founded more than five years ago in Kyiv and focused on creating a festive mood through oil and acrylic drawings, dot drawing on glass and ceramics, building author dolls and by creating 3D paintings with dried flowers. In the time since, she has conducted over 150 master classes and individual lessons in various parts of the world including Ukraine, France, Italy and Greece.

This previous experience, coupled with a passion and deep sense of moral obligation to help those who needed it, led Natalia to the idea to start local art classes in her new community in Greece, as a way of raising money to buy the refugee centre food and drinks, ensuring they could continue to provide support to those that needed it.

Driven by this sense of duty, Natalia is passionate about continuing to utilise her artistic talents to make a meaningful difference here from her new home on the Surf Coast. She channels her creativity to support the children enduring hardship in her home country, directing the proceeds from workshops and artwork sales directly to those in Ukraine who are in dire need, as well as charities assisting Ukrainian refugees. Natalia passionately advocates for her family, her compatriots, and her nation, dedicating herself to aiding them and striving for a secure and peaceful future.

Natalia perceives her life as her most significant work of art, painting each day with intricate detail and vibrant hues, aiming to spread joy to others. Her aim for these workshops is to to spread positivity and creativity throughout the local Surf Coast community, while contributing to a cause so very close to her own heart. Her deepest wish is for all Ukrainians to experience life in an independent nation, where they can craft their own canvas of existence, filled with the brilliant colours of happiness and opportunity.

“My classes are all about giving people wonderful memories and the opportunity to spend an unforgettable time in a beautiful, light atmosphere with friends and like-minded people. It’s not about being the best artist, it’s just about each person trying their best and creating their own unique masterpiece.

From the bottom of my heart, and behalf on all of the people of Ukraine you are helping, thank you for your support.”