2022-03-23

Artists band together in donation campaign for Ukraine

Local artists are banding together to help raise funds to assist the people of Ukraine who have been impacted by the Russian invasion of their country.

Sue Rosson, who paints with the Lunenburg County Plein Air group, was one of the artists instrumental in the campaign called Artists for Ukraine.

"I don't take credit for what's happened, only for the initial idea," Rosson told LighthouseNOW in a telephone interview last week.

"I knew that these artists were great people and wonderful artists and probably felt, like I did, frustrated and unable to do anything concrete to help with the situation in Ukraine. And the response right up front was really great," she said.

The artists have donated original works in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolour and photography. All proceeds from the sales are donated to the Canadian Red Cross to support people who have been tragically impacted by the ongoing struggle in Ukraine.

The Lunenburg Art Gallery and Quartet Gallery in Lunenburg have rendered their support, showcasing art pieces contributed by the artists. There's also a dedicated Facebook page to the sale of art pieces, with all proceeds going "directly" to the Red Cross.

"None of the artists have asked for anything for the work that they've done. And we have some very, very talented artists," said Rosson. While she noted there was a "real cross section of talent," she said many of the artists "are very well known in the local community and even internationally."

At the time of writing and in less than a week into the campaign, $4,000 had been raised with 17 of the 31 art pieces contributed to that point sold.

"It just makes you feel good to think that, you know, in whatever small way, it's not a lot of money but it's an outpouring of support and care for people in Ukraine," said Rosson.

Although it had not yet been decided how long the physical showings would carry on, it was expected that the online sale would continue until at least the end of April.

Artists who would like to donate some work, and anyone wanting to buy an art piece, is advised to contact Rosson at 902 209- 8470 or suerosson@icloud.com

To view the art pieces, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/3116182588656290 Or on the Lunenburg Art Gallery site https://www.lunenburgartgallery.com/ukraine