Ukrainian Art Auction
During our recent visit to Lutsk, Ukraine, we were invited to be guests at the Lutsk Art School in western Ukraine. Freedom of expression is a hallmark of a free, democratic society and it was evident this freedom rings loud and true in the midst of war.
School Director, Vira Konska, gave us a personal guided tour and explained students ages 6-18 can study at the school and learn in a variety of mediums: oil painting, pencil, sculpture, textiles, and much more.
Director Konska introduced us to students, Instructors, and other Faculty, and we saw firsthand the INCREDIBLE talent overflowing from every corner of this school.
These students are 16 & 17 y/o and hope to have their oil on canvas paintings selected for exhibit in London.
The impact of the war could be seen in many of the pieces we observed because almost everyone we spoke to has family - Fathers, Husbands, Sons, Uncles - who are away fighting in Eastern Ukraine.
Director Konska shared that just days after the war started, they converted the school’s underground basement into a shelter to house men, women, and children who fled for their lives from Mariupol, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson and other hard hit areas. In order to help process the trauma these people and so many others have experienced, Director Konska and her staff began an art therapy program for those displaced by the war and has expanded this program to those in their local community.
Middle school aged kids painting still life.
This sculpture is by 6th Grader, Potemkina Sofya, and is titled, “Sacrifice”.
What Director Konska and her team are doing at this school is life-changing in more ways than one. Not only are students learning and developing skills they can use later in life as architects or graphic designers, they are given a platform to express that which often cannot be said through words, only felt, and that is something we want to support. And you can too!
Director Konska donated 22 pieces of student artwork that we brought back to the States with us and are up for auction starting this Sunday, February 19 and ending on Sunday, February 26.
100% of all proceeds will go directly back to the School, who will in turn be able to support Soldiers and their families from their community. This is a great way to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine and have a tangible reminder of how it doesn’t take much to change the world.
This auction is open to the public and available online. If you wish to view any of the artwork in person, you may see the exhibit at The Cafe of The Bridge Church in Cleveland, GA. All details are available through Bullseyeauction House, who is hosting the auction.
Happy Bidding My Friends!
Lauren
(Please note, the desire of students and staff at the school is to support their military, so we are working to find a US-based partner to donate art supplies to send to the school. If you or someone you know is interested in joining us in these supply efforts, please contact me directly: lauren@theibc.org )
