Motanka Doll for Children’s Hearts

The exhibition of handmade motanka dolls “United Ukraine” by Honored Artist of Ukraine Alla Serdtseva will be not only an artistic event, but also a charitable initiative supporting children with congenital heart defects.

The collection was created by the artist after the beginning of the full-scale invasion as a personal reflection on Ukrainian resilience, memory, and inner unity.

In Alla Serdtseva’s works, traditional folk elements are combined with the symbolism of different regions of Ukraine, along with images that convey a sense of home, roots, and the connection between generations.

The exhibition is based on 25 motanka dolls — representing each region of Ukraine. Each doll is handmade and incorporates elements characteristic of a specific region: ornaments, colors, fabrics, decorations, and symbols that have shaped Ukrainian cultural traditions over generations.

Every detail carries its own meaning: memory of the homeland, protection, the strength of lineage, hope, and life.

Together, these dolls form a holistic image of Ukraine — diverse in its cultural expressions, yet united by shared history and values.

As part of the exhibition, visitors will also be able to attend creative meetings, workshops on traditional Ukrainian adornments, and discussions about the symbolism of folk art.

At the same time, a charity fundraising campaign will run in support of the national program “Save Hearts”, implemented by dobro.ua in partnership with the Future Hearts Charity Foundation.

The funds raised will be used to purchase cardiac implants for children with congenital heart defects.

The cost of one heart occluder currently ranges from approximately UAH 56,700 to UAH 147,000, depending on the diagnosis.

Every year, thousands of children in Ukraine are born with such conditions. Many of them can be saved thanks to modern minimally invasive endovascular procedures that do not require open-heart surgery. During these procedures, doctors implant a special cardiac device — an occluder — which allows them to close heart defects without major surgery or long recovery periods.

Cardiac surgeons at the Amosov Institute perform these operations free of charge; however, the implants themselves remain expensive and often unaffordable for many families.

That is why, during the exhibition, every visitor will have the opportunity to support the cause through donations, QR codes, and online contributions via the dobro.ua platform.

The “Save Hearts” project has been operating for over 13 years within the platform. During this time, more than UAH 83 million has been raised, hundreds of cardiac implants have been purchased, and hundreds of children from across Ukraine have received life-saving treatment.

The exhibition “United Ukraine” brings together art, tradition, and charity around a very specific goal — helping children in need of heart surgery.

Opening: May 10 at 14:00
Schedule:
Tue–Fri: 11:00–19:00
Sat–Sun: 12:00–17:00
Monday — closed

We invite everyone to experience the power of traditions that unite and inspire.

📍 May 10–21, 2026
Art Gallery, 6 R. Reagan St., Kyiv

Join us and become part of this meaningful charitable initiative.