Artwork by Simone McLeod donated for "ART FOR UKRAINE" fundraiser. (Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Good Cause

Saskatchewan artwork being auctioned in support of Ukraine

Apr 29, 2022 | 2:00 PM

Artwork created by Saskatchewan artists is being auctioned off to help Ukrainian people as their country fights off an invasion from Russia.

Over 130 pieces have been donated to the “ART FOR UKRAINE” online fundraiser with all the funds being donated to the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

The auction is being run by the Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting which has been wanting to do something for the country ever since Russia invaded back in February.

They got the idea to reach out to different groups, artists, and collectors after speaking with the Moose Jaw Art Guild who also wanted to do something to help.

Robin Schlaht, president of the Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting, told paNOW they were originally planning on a specific theme for the artwork; however, they quickly dropped the idea.

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“Just so people could donate stuff that’s already been created rather than create something specifically for the auction, but also collectors who have something that’s not on the wall at the moment but could contribute.”

Six of the art pieces, done by artist Simone McLeod, were donated by a collector.

McLeod is a member of the James Smith Cree Nation and is a former resident of Prince Albert.

She said she’s happy to see her art help a cause really close to her heart as one of her friends is currently stuck in the war-torn country

“Him and his mom had to move to the bush, to a cabin his dad used to have, and he was telling me he’s worried about what’s going to happen when the money runs out… he’s concerned about (his mom’s) health.”

McLeod had previously planned to hold a showcase with her friend in Kyiv a few years back, however, this was shortly after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine first started back in 2014.

Meanwhile, the auction will officially close on May 8, 2022.

The Saskatchewan Network for Art Collecting is hoping to raise around $10,000 through the fundraiser.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow