LEWISTON, Maine — A coffee roastery in Camden is teaming up with a Boston bakery to promote an art gallery dedicated to the nation of Ukraine.
On Friday and Saturday, Lewiston's Munka Studio is hosting a pop-up coffee shop with two Ukrainian-owned businesses: Kavka and Solodko.
The gallery showcases more than 40 pieces depicting Ukrainian culture, including pieces with positive memories of the country and also the pain felt as the war with Russia continues.
“I think whenever you look at a piece of art, it just provokes more conversation, more in-depth conversation. So, I’ve definitely heard people walking around and discussing," Ilona Znakharchuk, co-owner of Boston-based bakery Solodko, said.
Znakharchuk was born in Ukraine and moved to Massachusetts as a child with her family. She said she made the trip to Lewiston because it's critical now more than ever to teach others about her culture.
“I think the more attention we can bring to our culture and to the country, the more awareness that brings of like the injustice that is happening," she said.
The gallery includes artwork of more than 30 artists from Ukraine and Maine.
Maksym Isakov, the owner of Kavka, lived in Ukraine and was working in the coffee business when Russia invaded the country in 2022. Isakov fled the country months later as he feared for his family's safety. He then opened his coffee roastery in Camden.
“Ukraine has a lot to show, and our culture is huge. Unfortunately, people get to know it much more because of the war," Isakov said.
The current Ukraine art gallery will be displayed through the end of the month. The pop-up coffee shop will be open once more on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.