Two women who fled their war-torn homes in Ukraine have found solace and purpose in the heart of Milford.

Alla Hres and Yuliia Ovchar established the ‘First House’ Art and Craft Studio in their adopted hometown a year and a half ago.

Today, their studio is a vibrant hub of creativity, offering art classes, exhibitions, and a platform for cultural exchange.

The recent exhibition of Ukrainian artist Igor Kravets, “The Passage of Time”, showcased the studio’s ability to bring people together through art. Kravets’ colourful prints celebrate his interpretation of the beauty of Donegal captured in watercolour.

Alla and Yuliia are grateful for the support they’ve received from the Milford community. They met as strangers, having fled from Kyiv and Chernihiv respectively.

Alla (left) and Yuliia (right) – First House

Yuliia made the journey from northern Ukraine with her 11-year-old daughter and mother. Alla came to Ireland accompanied by her student daughter. The women, along with their pets – Alla’s cat and dog, and Yuliia’s chihuahua Jasmin – were placed in the same animal-friendly house after arriving in Ireland one day apart.

“Many events that happened to us from the moment of departure from Ukraine were accompanied by happy coincidences,” Alla remarks.

“Milford welcomed us into its warm embrace. We have so many local friends here now,” she adds.

With a desire to share their passion for art and craft, Alla and Yuliia opened the First House studio with the support of the Donegal Local Enterprise Office (DLDC).

Initially focused on embroidery, the studio’s direction evolved as they discovered a growing interest in showcasing other artists’ work.

“Our first artist was Martin McEntee – an absolutely wonderful local man who believed in us from our first day. We are very grateful to him,” Alla said.

Now, First House is more than just a place to admire art; it’s a melting pot of cultures. Traditional Ukrainian clothing adorns the folk shop, while the gallery walls display a blend of local and international artwork.

“This mix of cultures and traditions makes our lives richer and more picturesque,” says Alla.

Art and Craft Studio “First House”

The folk shop in Art and Craft Studio “First House”

Drawing Classes at Art and Craft Studio “First House”

The studio is constantly evolving. Plans for a larger more accessible space and lounge area are in the works. The schedule of art classes from a skilled French artist has been expanded for kids and adults alike. A multicultural Christmas fair is also on the horizon, promising to be a festive celebration of diversity.

An exhibition featuring the work of local artist Orla Dill is scheduled for next spring. The team is looking forward to displaying Dill’s expressive and symbolic style of marker and watercolour works.

Alla and Yuliia would like to say thanks to their supportive friends who helped us during their preparation for the exhibition: Sheila Friel, Michael McBride, Kirsty Shields, Tetiana Tokarchuk, Daria Hres, Olena Kravets, Nataliia Shevchenko, Paul McElhinney, Declan Meehan, Shirley Ward, Noel Mac Liam.

For updates on upcoming events, follow the Facebook page www.facebook.com/artcraftstudio1house or visit www.artstudio1house.com