Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley hosts art show, fundraiser for Ukrainian relief

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- The Jewish Federation of Saint Joseph Valley hosted an art show on Sunday to raise money for Ukrainian relief. Local artists teamed up with the federation to host the fundraiser that showcased their artwork, and a portion of the artist's proceeds will go directly to the relief efforts. The federation is hoping to have reached their total donation goal of $18,000 towards Ukrainian relief after Sunday's fundraiser.

“Art is such a great connector, in terms of bringing people together," says Moshe Kruger, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley.

Over the last month, organizations across the country have found unique ways to raise money and show support towards Ukrainian relief. Here in Michiana, the Jewish federation of Saint Joseph Valley hosted an art show on Sunday. Three local artists showcased and sold their work, and 50% of the proceeds go directly towards the Ukrainian families in need.

“The money will support the Ukrainians with our partners on the ground providing medicine, food, and assistance," says Kruger. “And I can’t think of a better way, than a community event like an art show.”

The art show had a sunflower theme, which is Ukraine's national flower and local artist Jim Goodkin's muse. Goodkin stopped painting a couple years ago after his wife passed away, but recently started back up again, painting pictures with sunflowers.

“I enjoy painting the sunflowers," says local artist, Jim Goodkin. “The sunflower stands for solidarity and peace, and people really appreciated it.”

One local woman walked out of the art show with one of Goodkin's pieces; noting that it 'spoke to her' during this time of crisis.

“This piece just spoke to me because, for one thing, I love the colors," says an attendee of the art show, Beth North. "And the other things is, he paints off the canvas, and onto the frame. And I really like that as an expression of our life being somewhat messy right now.”

The efforts from the artists and everyone who came out to the art show proves the generosity of the community, especially in times of need.

“It’s an incredible act of selflessness, and charity, and compassion," says North.

“I think this shows that the people of South Bend and Michiana are truly generous and care about what’s going on in the world," Kruger says.

To learn more about the Jewish Federation's donation goal, or to donate if you're interested, visit the Jewish Federation of Saint Joseph Valley's website.