Marina Kovalychuk is an artist, founder of the Colorful Ukraine project, and a mother.
I’m originally from Crimea, with my parents being third-generation Crimeans. I lived in Yalta for many years, and like most Crimeans, my understanding of Ukrainian language and culture was limited. But when I moved to Lviv as an adult and started learning about this invaluable treasure, I fell in love with everything related to Ukraine. I became a true admirer of the country, and now I call myself its ambassador of all Ukrainian here in the U.S.
I arrived in the U.S. with my husband and two children in 2021 as winners of the Green Card lottery.
The Colorful Ukraine Project: Uniting Through Culture
In February 2022, after organizing a rally in support of Ukraine, I learned that there was a large Ukrainian community in our city. I created a messenger chat to connect people, and this led to something bigger. I founded the Colorful Ukraine community with the goal of bringing together active, talented people who love Ukraine and are ready to support it in any way possible. The name of the community came naturally: we are all different, each with our own unique talents, but we are united by one big goal and common roots we are Ukrainians.
Unity is the main principle of the project, because when we stand together, we are capable of great things and historical changes. This has already been proven. The most important part of the project is to support Ukraine’s cultural heritage. That’s how the idea of organizing events to promote our national culture was born.
The First Ukrainian Festival in Jacksonville: Born from the Desire to Help
My first major project within Colorful Ukraine was the Ukrainian festival held in 2022. We organized it to help Ukraine’s defenders and also to showcase our culture to Americans. I felt a deep sense of guilt for my safety while the best sons and daughters of Ukraine were fighting and dying for our freedom and independence. So, I decided to do more than just donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine – I wanted to draw attention to our country and its needs.
Having only experience in visual art, not in organizing events, I didn’t know where to start. But I decided to take the risk and ask for support on social media. The response was quick: people were ready to help! We gathered a team and created a wonderful cultural event together. We planned a music program, invited local Ukrainian musicians, food vendors, artisans, and souvenir makers.
A key part of the festival were workshops because I strongly believe that art can convey emotions, traditions, and the spirit of a nation. Interestingly, some of the masters who conducted workshops had no prior experience with this. But we found video lessons, and they learned techniques like bracelet weaving, making traditional “motanka” dolls, and painting in the “Petrykivka” style.
This festival was the first of its kind in Jacksonville, and it impressed not only the Ukrainian community but also Americans, who saw our culture in a new light. We raised $11,000 to support defenders and hosted about 500 people.
Volunteers – the Heart of the Project
All our events are made possible thanks to volunteers. Even though the team is constantly changing, there are some who have been with us for three years. Each person does what they love most. I often suggest new event ideas and serve as the face of the project.
One person handles the implementation, others work on budgets or search for sponsors. We are proud of what we’ve achieved, like the longest Ukrainian flag in Florida, made by one of our volunteers! It all works because everyone contributes their part to this big project, and we are united by one goal — to help others love Ukraine as much as we do.
Three Years of Cultural Activity: More Than Just Festivals
In three years, we’ve held three festivals, numerous support events for Ukraine, charity events, workshops, auctions, and other activities. We actively spread Ukrainian culture in the U.S. and raise funds for Ukraine’s defenders.
Recently, of course, it has become harder to gather financial support, but that doesn’t stop us. We find new ways to be helpful. I often donate my paintings to charity auctions, volunteers contribute their time and talents, some sew, others advocate for Ukraine, and some photograph our events.
Right now, we are preparing a new project – a screening of the film «Bucha.» It will be the first time Ukrainian cinema is shown in Jacksonville, and it will be the only screening of the film in Florida. We are also actively working on organizing a Ukrainian festival for Independence Day. This year, we have planned cultural projects for children, which will be dedicated to key Ukrainian holidays, as well as my personal author project for Christmas.
Dreams and Plans for the Future
My biggest goal for the near future is to create a physical space for Ukrainians and Americans to meet, where we can hold cultural events and foster dialogue between our peoples. This will be a place that unites us all, gives our children the chance to learn more about their culture and traditions, and promotes cultural exchange.
Conclusion: Unity is Our Strength
We, Ukrainians, have tremendous power in unity. Culture is our pride, our connection to history and the world. That’s why we continue to unite around this goal – to make history in Jacksonville together. My project is more than just festivals and charity events. It’s a place where culture comes alive, where we can not only share our heritage but also unite for an important cause.
The strength of unity is our historical trait, and I am confident that we are capable of great things if we continue to work together:
Project page: www.instagram.com/colorfulukraine
Personal page/Art: www.instagram.com/marynakovalchuk.art
Jacksonville Florida
