Ukrainian artist Viktoriia Makarova connects with community through art

Viktoriia Makarova poses with some of her art pieces in the studio at the Ukrainian Cultural Hub in New Hamburg. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Viktoriia Makarova is a Ukrainian artist who now calls New Hamburg home along with her 18-month-old daughter, Eva, and her mother, Olha Polusmiak. The three came to Canada seeking safety from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

When war broke out in February 2022, Makarova’s hometown of Kherson was among the first to fall under occupation. After living in fear for months, they were finally forced to flee. Makarova and her mother initially went to Poland. They attempted to apply for a Canadian visa but were told their application was unlikely to succeed. With few options left, they travelled to Germany and spent several months living in a refugee camp. While in Germany, Makarova checked her visa status and discovered it had been approved.

Upon arriving in Canada, Makarova and her mother stayed in a hotel for two weeks made possible through a Canadian government program. With only four days left and no permanent housing secured, she reached out to Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis as a last hope.

A Grassroots volunteer soon connected Makarova and her mother with a family in Hespeler. She describes them as “a wonderful family.”

“We lived with them for eight months,” she said. “They helped us settle, were there when my little daughter, Eva, was born, and supported us in everything. I will never forget their care and kindness.”

Makarova's mother suffered a stroke, which meant the family needed to find housing with everything on one level to support her recovery. With the continued support of Grassroots Ukrainian Response, Makarova and her family have settled in the New Hamburg Guest House, a space that meets their needs and offers Makarova a place to continue her artistic work and give back to the organization and her new community.

Makarova is a talented artist and designer who graduated from the National AcadeArts in Ukraine. Her artwork features vibrant colours and detailed patterns inspired by her Ukrainian heritage. The Guest House includes a space at the back of the house perfect for an art studio that Makarova now uses to lead creative workshops for church groups, community members and local organizations. These workshops give her a chance to share her culture and her artistic abilities while connecting with her new community.

In Ukraine, Makarova occasionally led art workshops for youth and is looking forward to working with young people in Canada as well. She says children aged 10-12 are especially well suited for art workshops because they are open to ideas and not afraid to try new things. These sessions are a great fit for birthday parties, church groups and community organizations, offering a fun and encouraging way for young artists to discover and develop their creative talents.

The end of January is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time for Makarova. On Jan. 27, she will lead a free art workshop, the second offered in a series at the Ukrainian Cultural Hub in New Hamburg. The workshop runs from 5-7:30 p.m. and invites participants of all skill levels to explore traditional Ukrainian art styles. Makarova provides all materials and guidance, creating a welcoming space filled with creativity, conversation and cultural connection

Once again, Makarova has been invited to take part in The Brush Off, a live art competition held at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener on Jan. 31. During the event, artists create paintings live as guests watch, vote for their favourite artwork and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds from the competition support THEMUSEUM.

This is not Makarova’s first time participating in public art events. In Ukraine, she took part in many group exhibitions in Kherson. Since coming to Canada, she has competed in ArtBattle in Toronto and The Brush Off in Kitchener in 2025, and her work has been shown in St. Jacobs and at a Ukrainian Canadian Congress exhibition in Toronto. Her artwork is currently on display at the Ukrainian Cultural Hub in New Hamburg.

Makarova also gives back by volunteering with Grassroots Ukrainian Response’s Healing Art program. This program offers women creative art sessions designed to support emotional healing, build resilience and foster a sense of belonging. Sessions are held in person in Waterloo every Friday.

As a Ukrainian newcomer, Makarova is thankful to have a home where her daughter can grow up in peace. For Makarova and her family, Canada is not just a place to live, but a place of hope. Through her art, teaching and volunteer work, she continues to build a new life in Canada while sharing her culture and creativity with the community she now proudly calls home.

Anyone interested in participating in her upcoming workshop or arranging a workshop for friends or community organizations can contact Olga Strasburger of Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis at 519-778-6401 or marketing@grassrootsresponse.ca. More information about Grassroots Response can be found on its website at www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca.