Based on the success of a recent art exhibit and sale in North Bay featuring original works by Ukrainian artists, additional paintings are currently on their way to the Gateway City.
In late October, an exhibit entitled “Exploring the Colours of Ukraine: A Celebration of Creative Diversity, Fortitude, Hope and Inspiration for the Future,” was open to the public to view and ideally, buy.
Just over two dozen paintings were included in that first bundle which arrived in North Bay via Poland.
The paintings are by renowned Ukrainian artists, many of whom have showcased their art in galleries and private collections around the world.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is known to own a painting by one of the participating artists.
See: Colours of Ukraine Art Exhibit raises funds to purchase drones
Money raised from the sale of the paintings will once again support the purchase of surveillance drones.
“This originated because the president of the Artists Union of Ukraine is involved with the Kolo Fund, in particular the drone school. Of course, art sales are nonexistent currently in Ukraine, so his idea was to ask the artists to donate paintings. So, they had sent some to The Vest Project here, and they had sent some to Spain and they sent some to Vancouver,” explained Cindie D’Agostino, co-founder of The Vest Project.
To help with expenses, and based on its previous success, The Vest Project has been asked to sell additional paintings.
“As a result of our sales, we have recently received paintings from Vancouver and we’re just waiting on the paintings to come in from Spain.”
The plan is to contact different communities in northern Ontario to assist with sales.
In addition, some of the artwork could potentially be displayed in southern Ontario.
“I have contacted a friend of ours in Toronto to let her know about the incoming paintings, so perhaps they can help us in an exhibition,” D’Agostino added.
The initiative is a joint venture between The Vest Project based in North Bay and the charity foundation Kolo.
The Vest Project is a non-profit co-founded by Cindie D’Agostino and Lori Burns to purchase protective gear for Ukrainian frontline defenders in the war against Russia.
“Because this is non-lethal this is definitely part of The Vest Project,” stated D’Agostino.
The Kolo Foundation is a volunteer foundation that among other things, has set up a drone school.
Money raised through the sale of the paintings will support the purchase of drones and drone parts, as well as help cover the costs associated with running training courses required to operate the non-lethal drones.
“They are surveillance drones. They use the drones to go into the buildings after they have been hit by missiles to check if it is safe to go in, to check if people are hiding in there, or to see if there are any casualties,” explained D’Agostino.
“The drones cost between $3,000 and $6,000 each. There are two different types of drones. One type of drone takes a week for the students to master. Then there is another type of drone that requires about a three-week education. So of course, they’re bringing people in, and they stay right at the school.”
Over 10,000 was raised in North Bay from the initial sale.
“We were thrilled because art isn’t something people are always ready to purchase and they can be substantial purchases, so we were very lucky to receive that,” D’Agostino stated.
The arrival of additional paintings is an opportunity for anyone wanting to start or add to a collection with works by world-renowned artists, to do so.
“The paintings are beautiful. Unfortunately, they weren’t selling in Spain. But there are going to be great deals. They’re going to be marked down considerably because they need the money to buy the drones. The people who are learning to use these drones, they are going to the frontlines,” explained The Vest Project co-founder.
During the first art exhibition organizers heard from Ukrainian newcomers who expressed just how grateful they are for the support given through initiatives such as this one.
Interested buyers can contact D’Agostino directly by calling 705-471-3655 to make an appointment to view the paintings
