On January 11, 2016 the opening of the Ukrainian National Exhibition of Applied Art by Convicts “Christmas Patterns” took place in the National Kyiv Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve.

The Exhibition was organized by joint initiative of the National Kyiv Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve, Synodal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for Pastoral Care of the Penitentiary System and the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine.

The works displayed at the exhibition include those depicting Christmas and religious subjects and masterfully crafted images of saints.

Artistic initiative encourages convicts to reconsider their past and their life values and helps them feel needed by the society. Organisers of the exhibition hope that the display will arouse public interest.

The exhibition will run until January 20, 2016.