University success

Last November we wanted to send cards to our friends and supporters, to hosts and donors and we asked a young Ukrainian, Roman, to design one for us. This was one of the first graphic commissions that Roman received and we were delighted with his ideas and recognised his talent.

Roman was at Kyiv University beginning an induction course for a Fine Art degree when the war started and his family escaped to Poland. He, his mother and his sister aged nine left with just what they could carry. Roman had ambitions to continue his University education. Following his A-Level results, Roman has been accepted at Bournemouth University.

We are delighted for Roman who worked so hard to achieve his ambition. We also recognise the home and support that Martin and Cynthia, his hosts, gave Roman.

The support of Gillingham High School has been exemplary for Roman, right through to his acceptance and we thank all the staff that contributed, not only to Roman, but also to the other refugees that the school is educating so well.

When Roman left Ukraine he took with him a small number of paintings and drawings from his portfolio. A few examples are here.

Roman is keen to take commissions and if you would like a portrait painted for a loved one, Roman would be rewarded by more practice and some funds to build his College account. Commissions start at £50 for a pencil portrait and £100 for an acrylic painting.

Contact:

• Roman Manzhelo, Fine Artist

• M: +44 7591 048436

• E: Romanmanzhelo@gmail.com