Mike says 'I have received an unprecedented invitation (see below) to show some of my landscape paintings in the Cherkassy Regional Art Museum. This follows an exhibition of abstract work at the Regional Countrystudy Museum, Cherkassy in 2007 when I was the first painted form the EU ever to be exhibited in this city.

The exhibition was very successful and created a lot of interest especially amongst teachers and students from the art and design departments of the Cherkassy State Technological University. This led various members of the Artist's Union of Cherkassy to approach the Cherkassy Regional Art Museum with a view to inviting me to hold an exhibition of my landscape paintings. This invitation has now been received and the Museum would like to have the exhibition during the whole of June 2009'.

During the time of the exhibition there are planned workshops with some disabled children and several meetings, field trips with Ukrainian artists and a training programme. Plans will also be discussed to hold an exhibition of the Ukrainian artist's work in the UK. During the exhibition a blog will be written describing each day's events.

An application is being to The Arts Council for funding to transport the paintings there and back (aa well as Mike plus other expenses). It is not certain whether (and when) they will give their support.

If anyone is sitting on some money and would like to support a worthwhile venture then your help would be very welcome! The estimated cost is about £4985.

For offers of support or more information contact Mike:

UKRAINE REGIONAL STATE ADMINISTRATION OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

CHERKASSY REGIONAL ART MUSEUM

Dear Mr Fryer

Cherkassy Regional Art Museum is very interested in you as someone who is unusual in combining a love of science and art. As a biologist you are concerned with the study of the natural world and you appeal to the landscape when you choose motifs to creatively express yourself.

Your creativity is very original and unique; this is based on the simplification of local colours to obtain stability. The colour itself is expressive of mood and feelings in your paintings.

We are hoping that your paintings in your individual style 'abstract landscape' will be of great interest and appreciation to the Ukrainian audience.

We invite you to have a personal exhibition in the Cherkassy Art Museum.

N. M. Klumenko