A ‘powerful’ exhibition exploring themes of resilience, beauty and hope in the context of the Ukraine war was officially opened by the Bishop of Truro.

Saltash Mayor Councillor Brian Stoyel and others from across the community attended the opening event for the Colour and Courage exhibition, by artist and congregation member, Louise Pasterfield, at St Stephen’s Church.

During his address, The Rt Revd David Williams reflected on the “triangle” he often sees in his ministry – beauty, justice and evangelism – describing how each point shapes the life of a healthy church. He said the exhibition expresses all three: beauty in the creativity and honesty of the artwork, justice in the stories that honour suffering and resilience, and evangelism in the way art opens doors for conversation, compassion and shared humanity.

Parents of Chris Parry, the humanitarian volunteer from Cornwall killed in Ukraine in 2023, were presented with a portrait of their son by Louise.Three people and art in the church

Revd Laura Bushell Hawke, Oversight Minister for the Saltash Team, said: “Art has a way of holding truth and beauty together.

“This exhibition creates a space where we can honour courage, acknowledge pain, and still look for hope. It has been a privilege to host it here at St Stephen’s and I am indebted to our events committee for making this happen.”

Alongside the artwork, visitors are invited to add prayers for peace and to support ongoing humanitarian efforts.

 Images used by kind permission of photographer Mike Pitches.