My Projects
In recent years, Elena Diadenko has extended her passion for helping others beyond the classroom. She became a dedicated volunteer, assisting Ukrainian soldiers with medical aid and supporting the animals affected by the war. Between 2022 and 2024, Elena raised $100,000.00 for Ukrainian humanitarian efforts, organizing art exhibitions and offering art classes to various Chicago communities. Her commitment to social causes also led her to participate in public art and community projects, further strengthening her impact on local culture and outreach.
In 2024, Elena took on a leadership role as president of the Ukrainian National Women’s League Branch #36 in Chicago, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian community. In addition to her glass painting expertise, Elena expanded her artistic offerings to include workshops in traditional Ukrainian folk arts such as Petrikivka, Batik art, and pumpkin painting. These workshops provide participants with a hands-on immersion into Ukrainian artistic traditions, fostering a deeper cultural appreciation and connecting participants to her heritage.
A key initiative, the Radius Project at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA), focused on creating intergenerational connections within the Ukrainian community through art. This project encouraged participants to bring meaningful personal items—photos, letters, or songs—related to Ukraine, which served as inspiration for new works of art. The collective creativity culminated in a powerful exhibition, celebrating the shared heritage of the community, which was unveiled during a special opening reception on January 21, 2024, at UIMA.
Elena’s dedication to promoting cultural dialogue extends beyond the walls of her studio. One notable project was her participation in the My Painted Lyre exhibit in Greektown, Chicago. This public art installation featured 26 vibrant, three-dimensional artworks inspired by the ancient Greek lyre, with each piece reflecting diverse interpretations of music, mythology, and culture. Elena’s contribution, titled Day and Night, depicted two women in traditional Ukrainian attire, symbolizing the rich beauty and folklore of her heritage. This exhibit, displayed along Halsted Street in spring 2023, was a powerful testament to her commitment to fostering cultural exchange.
Additionally, Elena was involved in the Cicada Project, a unique collaboration that explored the intersection of art and nature. The project focused on creating installations inspired by the fascinating life cycle of cicadas, blending natural elements with artistic expression to engage the community in a dialogue about life, transformation, and renewal.
Her contributions also extended to the Shedd Aquarium, where Elena participated in initiatives that connected art and the natural world, contributing to the aquarium’s mission of fostering environmental awareness and appreciation for aquatic life.
Throughout her career, Elena taught visual arts and special education for 26 years, primarily at high schools serving Latino and African-American communities, including Roberto Clemente, Roosevelt, and Schurz High Schools. Over the years, she impacted the lives of over 40,000 high school students, leaving a profound legacy in the educational sphere. Her work was marked by a passion for helping students develop creative expression and a love for learning, adapting her teaching methods to meet the needs of each individual student.
Elena Diadenko’s artistic and community-driven efforts continue to inspire and educate, ensuring that Ukrainian cultural traditions are preserved, appreciated, and passed on to future generations. Her work transcends the studio and gallery space, demonstrating the power of art to connect communities, ignite meaningful conversations, and celebrate shared heritage.
Giving Back
Elena Diadenko and her artist friends truly made a significant impact by using their talents to support Ukraine during its challenging times. By participating in Chicago festivals and offering face painting to both children and adults, they were able to raise awareness about Ukraine's situation in a creative and interactive way. This not only brought the community together but also provided an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for Ukraine's humanitarian efforts, military support, and aid to civilians and animals affected by the war.
Through these activities, Elena and her team demonstrated how art can transcend personal expression and become a tool for activism. They used their craft not just for enjoyment but to mobilize others to contribute to an important cause, all while fostering a sense of solidarity within the Chicago community. This effort reflects the power of creativity in uniting people and generating meaningful support during times of crisis.
Their work exemplifies how individuals, even far from the war zone, can make a difference and support those in need through artistic and compassionate actions.
In 2015, Elena Diadenko created the children’s coloring book Ukraine Dream, a heartfelt project aimed at supporting young Ukrainian children living near war zones or newly liberated territories. The book was specifically designed for children who attend schools near areas affected by the ongoing war, offering them a sense of hope, inspiration, and connection to their rich cultural heritage.
Ukraine Dream is deeply rooted in Ukrainian folklore and traditions, with each page featuring intricate illustrations that depict elements of Ukrainian culture and traditions. The book not only invites children to explore their artistic side through coloring but also encourages them to express their hopes and aspirations. Every page includes a space for children to write or draw their dreams, fostering creativity and self-expression amidst the challenges they face.
What makes Ukraine Dream even more remarkable is its grassroots nature. Over 60,000 copies of the book have been distributed, all thanks to the efforts of volunteers, sponsors, and even military personnel, who provided the necessary funding. The project received strong support from local communities, as well as from soldiers and officers who saw it as a valuable tool for connecting with the children they were protecting. Military personnel even used the book as an educational resource, teaching children about Ukrainian culture and helping them stay connected to their identity during times of upheaval.
Teaching is a profession that demands both patience and passion, especially when it comes to art. Each year, you have the privilege of guiding around 150 students, each with their own unique perspectives and creative potential. As the year unfolds, you witness their growth, not only in technical skills but in confidence and self-expression. By the time the year ends, the classroom transforms into a close-knit community, where students feel like family. The bonds that are formed through shared experiences, challenges, and achievements make teaching a deeply rewarding journey, one that leaves lasting impacts on both the students and the teacher alike.
