“Ukrainian art” raises funds for Ukrainians through painting classes

An Oklahoma fundraiser called “Ukrainian Art” uses sunflower paintings to raise money for Ukrainians.
Luda Cameron, a Ukrainian from Midwest City, came up with the idea.
People at the event will paint and discuss the Ukrainian war effort and its impact on the nation.
The fourth Art for Ukraine takes place in Midwest City in November.

The Kingfisher — Ukrainian national flower, the sunflower, long a symbol of peace, is now a symbol of resistance among Ukrainians fighting Russia to maintain their independence.

A growing number of people in Oklahoma and other parts of the world regard the bright yellow flower as a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.

Through an Oklahoma fundraiser called “Ukrainian Art,” Inspirational Flowers raises money for Ukrainians who have survived in their war-torn homeland. Desire inspired Luda Cameron, a Ukrainian native of Midwest City, to come up with the idea of an artistic fundraiser. She thought it was a good way to share information about how Oklahomans can help resilient Ukrainians while providing fun lessons in creating iconic sunflower watercolors. I got

Cameron and other members of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church recently hosted the first Art for Ukraine session at their church in Jones. They provided all the art supplies and traditional Ukrainian treats.The event was such a success that another session was held at another local church, and on Sunday he was at Kingfisher’s First United Methodist Church. held its third session. About 40 people from churches throughout Kingfisher gathered at a table to discuss the Ukrainian war effort and its impact on the country’s citizens. All the while, they used watercolor paints in shades of yellow, gold, brown, and red to paint vibrant sunflower paintings.

“Draw Peace”

Kingfisher businessman Brian Walter was one of the organizers of a recent event called “Paintings for Peace.” He said it was hosted by the Kingfisher Ministerial Union and raised about $6,000 in donations before the painting classes began. rice field.

Each community member was encouraged to donate $30 to attend a Sunday painting class. In addition to painting, participants also had the opportunity to purchase sunflower-themed jewelry and her t-shirt with pro-Ukrainian artwork and slogans to fund Ukrainian relief efforts. was given the opportunity to collect

Walter said he had seen an article in the Oklahoman that St. Mary’s followers were partnering with the church to raise money for Ukraine, and he told the Kingfisher faith community about it. He and his wife Liz attended Kingfisher’s Federated His Church and visited a Ukrainian church in Jones to learn more about the Faith congregation and its ongoing fundraising efforts.

“My heart is so broken by what is happening in Ukraine and I am so enlightened that there is a Ukrainian church on the Oklahoma City subway,” he said. to spend time with the Ukrainian people and pray for peace.”

Cameron led a painting class, and Ukrainian Olena Nesin, who lives in Edmund, shared stories and photos about different families living in Ukraine.

Nesin helps attendees connect on a personal level to news accounts of the war in Ukraine by telling about a Ukrainian couple whose home in Mariupol burned down when Russian forces attacked the city in March. I was. She said she discovered where one of their sons was hiding in the besieged city and helped rescue them from a nearby area of heavy ground fighting.

She said Ukrainians are very grateful for the help from Oklahoma.

Cameron, from Zaporizhia, Ukraine, agreed. She said many Ukrainians sent letters of thanks to members of St. Mary’s Church and pictures of them wearing winter clothes provided by Oklahomans. The grateful Ukrainians also sent some Ukrainian flags signed by the Oklahomans for display.

“They appreciate what we do for them,” Cameron said. “Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for caring.”

Meanwhile, several people who attended the event said they liked the idea of drawing and fellowshiping to help those living in besieged Ukraine on Sunday afternoon. , Judy Whipple, member of the First United Methodist-Kingfisher.

“I’ve been doing this kind of painting for years and I love it, but most of all I’m here because I want to help Ukraine,” she said.

Mark and Angie Snodgrass, members of the nearby Kingfisher United Church, said they brought their children Scout and Steele to provide united family support to Ukraine.

“I know people are suffering there,” said Mark Snodgrass. “One of our prayers for him is that if there is someone in need and you have the opportunity to help someone, help them.”

Darla Bradley of Okarche, a member of Kingfisher Nazarene Church, shared a similar comment.

“We all know what’s going on in Ukraine,” said Bradley. “What these women have told us about their family and friends has been so educational and personal. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Edmund Shirley Smith, who was visiting her cousin Kingfisher, said the painting sessions were a unique way to help the ongoing war effort.

“It’s a way to have fun and get to know each other and still feel like you’re supporting Ukraine,” she said.

The fourth Art for Ukraine will be held in November at the Wickline United Methodist church in Midwest City.

painting for peace

when: November 13th, 2-4pm.

Where: Wickline United Methodist Church, 417 Mid America Blvd., Midwest City.

price: Donation of $30.

informationCall: Wickline, 405-732-0356 or visit the Sooner Hope for Ukraine Facebook page.

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“Ukrainian art” raises funds for Ukrainians through painting classes

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