On 25 September 2026, the Botanical Garden of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv hosted the presentation of Botanical Collection, the first joint initiative of the University and GORO. The project offers a new interpretation of University heritage, art and the nature of the Carpathians through an original scarf collection.
The collection consists of four scarves, each dedicated to a season. Their imagery draws on the plants of the University’s Botanical Garden and the nature of the Carpathians.
The artistic foundation of Botanical Collection is a series of specially commissioned paintings on glass by artist Sofiia Yaroshevych. Images of plants and seasonal changes in nature were reinterpreted for textile design and given new life as contemporary scarves.
The collection’s four motifs — Heuffel’s crocus, mountain lunaria, larch and the winter landscapes of the Carpathians — tell different stories about place, nature and its artistic interpretation.
An important part of the collaboration was GORO’s symbolic gift of a larch sapling to the Botanical Garden, a sign of a partnership that will continue to grow. The partners also announced their next joint initiative in the Carpathians: REFOREST DAY, “Franko’s Forest”.
“Heritage That Grows” is more than the collection’s name. It expresses the idea that things with a history can find new life through art, contemporary design and new partnerships.
“This is not simply an art project. It brings together cooperation, culture, cultural heritage and Boiko culture. We are exploring new ways to make cultural heritage active, so that it is not only kept in museums but also brings wonder to people,” said Iryna Kiyanka, Head of the Center for Cooperation with Patrons and Alumni.
“I am very grateful to have been invited to this creative project. As well as painting on canvas, I work with glass — a special artistic technique for me, in which colour and light speak in a completely different way. I am inspired by nature and the way it changes throughout the year. I was interested to see how these images might come alive on fabric, in movement, worn by a person. It is fascinating to see my work in a new way,” said artist and Botanical Collection creator Sofiia Yaroshevych.
“For us, this collaboration is about years ahead, rather than a single event. We see opportunities for joint research into Carpathian nature, student placements, educational programmes and cultural and artistic initiatives. It matters to us that GORO is a place where research, business, art and education meet, as well as a destination for leisure,” said Volodymyr Harazd, CEO of GORO Mountain Resort.
We thank the partners and guests who joined this event.
The project also has a charitable purpose: proceeds from scarf sales will support named scholarships for students of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
