We have all been horrified and deeply saddened by the devasting invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In support and solidarity of the Ukrainian people, many are doing what they can to help raise money, and one such event called ‘Artists for Ukraine Art Auction’ takes place on Friday 18th March.
The event has been organised by the talented artist Raffaella Bertolini (who also happens to be a part of the CreativeFolk family) and will see over 80 artworks go up for auction via Facebook in the hope to raise much needed funds for Ukrainian people affected by the war.
We chatted to Raffaella to find out more about the auction…
“What is happening in Ukraine is truly devastating; families have been separated, children killed, homes destroyed and millions fleeing the country to seek refuge. Witnessing the horror, I felt compelled to do something to try and help raise much needed funds. That’s when I decided to set up an art auction.
In:diem 
Matthew Dover 
Sharon Coles 2908
I’m part of a Facebook group called ‘For the love of money art’ and originally asked the members if they would be interested in donating a piece of art, with all proceeds going to The British Red Cross Humanitarian Appeal. 15 artists joined the same day. Then when I shared it on my own Facebook and Instagram accounts I got an overwhelming response from other artists wanting to help” ,explained Raffaella.
The auction now has over 80 artists involved, although Raffaella is confident that number will break 100 before the start of the auction.
Anonymouse282 
Jamessbrichardson 
Karen Jones Illustration 
Matt Dixon aka M:One 
Sara Riches
I’d never set up an auction before, I’ve only ever participated in them so sought advice from people like Silent Bill, Stevie Zoom Carroll and Bill Boorman who have experience in these events. With their guidance it was decided to run it on Facebook from 7pm on Friday 18th March through to 8pm on Friday 25th March as this gives people plenty of time to put in their bids”, said Raffaella.
The Artists for Ukraine Art Auction will showcase a wide range of art so we’re pretty sure you’ll find something you love and more importantly ALL the money will go to The British Red Cross Humanitarian Appeal.
One of Raffaella’s own contributions is a stunning collaboration with Background Bob. If you’ve not heard of him we highly recommend you read our article all about this amazing guy. The piece featured above is titled ‘Polina’ and as Raffaella explains…
“10 year old Polina and her family were shot by Russian fighters while trying to flee Kyiv, she died on the spot. Her 5 year old brother died in hospital a few days later. This piece is for all the children caught up in the horror of war”.
Simon Skint 
Vector Queen 2
We have to take our hats off to Raffaella for setting this up in such a short space of time. Like many of the special projects we’ve written about involving artists, it just proves time and time again how lucky we are to be surrounded by such special people who want to try and help in any way they can.
To find out more about the auction, go to https://www.facebook.com/Art4Ukraine to see all of the amazing work. You should also follow @artistsforukraineartauction on Instagram.
If you’re an artist, and, like us, want to get involved, get in touch with Raffaella via the Facebook and Instagram links above.
