The Dream of a Dedicated Space
For nearly three years, Lilia Stadnik and Leszek have been teaching art therapy and woodworking classes to Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw. They’ve worked in refugee centres, borrowed studios, museum classrooms and office buildings.
It’s been beautiful. But it’s also been temporary.
In September 2025, that changed. Lilia and Leszek opened SolNest—a permanent, ground-floor art therapy studio in central Warsaw, dedicated entirely to Ukrainian refugees.
The name, SolNest, means “a resting place for the soul.” And that’s exactly what it is.
The Grand Opening
The celebration to open SolNest was joyful, creative and deeply moving. Students from the Materynka School in Warsaw—one of only four remaining Ukrainian schools in the city—came to honour Lilia. They made hand-crafted medallions to celebrate the new space and express their gratitude for two years of care and teaching.
Teachers, students, parents and partners gathered to tour the new studio. There was painting. There was woodworking. There was music, laughter and hope.
For Lilia and Leszek, it was the culmination of a dream: a safe, welcoming, permanent home for art therapy.
What SolNest Offers
SolNest is more than an art studio. It’s a community hub. Activities include:
- Art therapy classes – painting, drawing, crafts for children and adults
Woodworking and carpentry – led by Leszek, for all ages Sewing and embroidery classes – taught by Lilia PE and fitness classes – led by Yulia (Lilia’s daughter) Animal therapy – with Simon the dog Cultural celebrations – Ukrainian holidays, music, traditions
The space is warm, bright and accessible. It’s designed to feel like home—a place where Ukrainian refugees can gather, create and heal.
Back to School: Love Does Reopens
As SolNest opened, so did Love Does School—the K–12 Ukrainian refugee school supported by Mission for Ukraine.
On opening day, classrooms filled with 200 Ukrainian students (with over 100 more on the waiting list). Teachers greeted children. Backpacks were unpacked. PE classes resumed, funded by Mission for Ukraine so every student can stay active and healthy.
Lilia returned to teaching art therapy at Love Does two days a week. The students decorated classrooms. They made art. They settled back into routines that give structure and safety.
For many of these children, Love Does School is the only Ukrainian school they can attend. Polish schools have proven difficult—language barriers, bullying and cultural differences make learning nearly impossible. Love Does offers an alternative: education in Ukrainian, by Ukrainian teachers, in a supportive environment.
Heart & Art Ukraine: A Partnership That Makes It All Possible
The opening of SolNest was made possible by Heart & Art Ukraine, a new foundation established in Switzerland by Majo Humer and Corinne Hoss-Blatter.
Heart & Art has committed to funding SolNest, Lyudmyla’s art therapy programmes and trauma care initiatives across Warsaw. Their vision aligns perfectly with Mission for Ukraine’s: that healing requires beauty, creativity and culture—not just emergency aid.
As Bill Hayes wrote in his update: “We cannot adequately express our heartfelt gratitude for Majo and Corinne’s compassion and enthusiasm.”
With Heart & Art’s support, SolNest can not only survive—it can thrive.
Looking Ahead
Lilia and Leszek have big plans for SolNest. They’ve established a Polish foundation and are applying for EU grants to expand programming. The dream is to turn SolNest into a full community centre offering:
- Cooking classes (coming soon with a donated kitchen)
Polish and English language lessons Theatre workshops Cultural events and Ukrainian holiday celebrations A safe, comforting meeting place for refugees of all ages
SolNest is proof that when you give people a place to belong, they heal. They create. They rebuild.