29-01-2025
Artwork by Ukrainian children to be auctioned in Marshalltown
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — The Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center is auctioning artwork made by children in their Ukrainian sister city to help benefit the war-torn country.
The artwork is part of their latest exhibit called, 'War Through the Eyes of Children,' located in the Monet Reception Hall. All the pieces were created by children between the ages of six and 17 in Marshalltown's sister city, Zdolbuniv.
Below each painting is a photo of the child who created it and a description of them written by their teachers.
Many of the pieces depict sunflowers and wheat because sunflower oil and bread are big exports for Ukraine. The country's flag and colors are also prevalent in several paintings. Many also illustrate the idea of longing for peace.
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Despite the dark muse, the paintings are colorful, bright, and bold.
'They have lost 100 people from their town, and some of the children's fathers are away fighting. So, it's a very personal thing to them. But, as children are, they are colorful and bright,' said Carrie Barr, a committee member for the Marshalltown sister-city relations.
Barr said Zdolbuniv is a city with a similar size to Marshalltown.
'We've been through a lot here in Marshalltown, nothing compares to what they've been through. But, people understand that neighbors help neighbors and people help people and this sister city is an extension of people helping people,' she said.
The exhibit officially opens for the public to view in person on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then on Thursday from 10 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Then, the auction will take place on Friday, January 31st at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar.
The paintings can be viewed and bid on online until Friday.
All of the proceeds will go to Zdolbuniv.
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