On Friday February 24th, the one year anniversary of the russian invasion of Ukraine, Arkansas Arts Academy and Hugs from Friends collaborated to host an event called NWA 4 UKRAINE: AN EVENING OF PEACE. LOVE. SUPPORT.  The purpose for the event was  to bring awareness to the conflict in Ukraine and partner with schools in the U.S. to have American students create cards of hope, love and support to send to students at schools in Ukraine affected by the war.  

In July 2022 Trevor Dane, Founder and Director of Hugs From Friends contacted AAA Director of Arts Integration, Aaron Jones, to see if the Academy would be interested in participating in creating cards for children in Ukraine that have been affected by the war. Trevor was invited to the August Professional Development and a partnership was established.  Teachers incorporated Ukrainian culture, history, music, arts and politics into their lessons to help students understand the cultre and the current conflict.    With a better understanding of the students created messages of HOPE in the form of illustrated cards and sent them to the Ukraine. 

With an overwhelming interest in support from our teachers and students we met with Hugs From Friends to coordinate an event that would bring awareness about the war to Northwest Arkansas.  NWA 4 UKRAINE: AN EVENING OF PEACE. LOVE. SUPPORT. was planned hrough 

440 people attended the event and over $1800 was raised for savED to purchase school supplies for schools that have received damaged or that have been destroyed during the current conflict. 

Local News station 5 News CBS affiliate visited Arkansas Arts Academy and covered the event. News reporter Rachel Williams interviewed representatives from Hugs From Friends, AAA administrators and students at the event and aired live coverage at 5 and 7 pm as well offered a great news story at 10:00 pm. 

Performances from AAA students, local, national and international talent.

Attendance and booths from 12 different humanitarian and educational organizations.

Culinary students provided samples of three Ukrainian dishes and drink.

Silent Auction: 17 works of art from AAA students, local and national artists. $1240 raised 

Hugs From Friends is a 501c3 organization established in 2022 with a mission to encourage children in the United States to create art to show support and solidarity for children and families impacted by the war in Ukraine. Hugs From Friends formed after its founder, Trevor Dane, voulenteered for the Humanitarian Center in Przemysl, Poland. There he saw the positive and powerful impact of kids’ artwork displayed throughout the building had on those who were there.

The organization has collaborated with local schools, community organizations and hosted numerous events in Arkansas. The organization has collected hundreds works of art throughout the U.S. and shipped to the Humanitarian Center in Przemysl to be delivered to schools in western Ukraine.  Visit http://www.hugsfromfriends.org/  to learn more. 

Two classes at AAA have been corresponding with students in Ukraine.  Mrs. Amy Giadrone's 8th grade Language Arts  class and Mr. Joe Papania's 5th grade Social Studies class. On February 24th, the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, AAA students received a package filled with cards, art and appreciation from the students in Ukraine.