MILFORD, Ohio — The war happening in Ukraine weighs heavy on the hearts of so many in Ohio. To help turn the tragedy of war into something beautiful, one group of artists in greater Cincinnati is using the Ukrainian symbol for peace to help make a difference.
Artist Nancy Achberger is working on one of her many paintings of sunflowers — a series of works called Sunflowers for Ukraine.
“I feel just an incredible sadness about the whole situation,” Achberger said. “I felt like there was something that I had to do.”
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine, representing peace and solidarity. Achberger has a friend from Ukraine who she paints with frequently. To help make a difference, she created a call to action to other local artists to chip in by selling artwork to benefit Ukrainians.
“Really proud to be a part of this community of Cincinnati artists,” she said. “They’ve been very generous with their time and have big hearts.
Painter Kate Albert working on a special violin called Sunflowers in Solidarity. (Tino Bovenzi/Spectrum News 1)
Painter Kate Albert is also raising funds for Ukraine through the raffle of a painted violin called “Sunflowers in Solidarity.”
She uses painting as therapy — a way to treat a panic disorder — in this case, calming her nerves by helping others.
“As soon as I started getting into this and really researching about the people, I felt more connected and the panic stopped,” Albert said. “It was just amazing how powerful art therapy can be.”
So far, 40 artists are participating in the fundraiser, contributing more than 60 paintings.
“I think we’re up to $4,200,” Achberger said. “So, we’ve sold over 30 paintings.”
The proceeds from the gallery will be donated to International Community of the Red Cross. The violin raffle proceeds will be donated to UNICEF.
Achberger hopes the art is as meaningful for customers as it is to the artists.
“I have a sense of connection with it because it reminds me of a certain time or certain feeling,” Achberger said. “And I hope when people purchase these paintings that they will also give them a deep connection with the work.”
The Sunflowers for Ukraine fundraiser ends Sunday, April 24. Paintings can be purchased in person only at the Painted River Art Studio in Milford.
