Art auction proceeds to assist Rockford sister city in Ukraine
ROCKFORD — The Rockford Area Arts Council will hold an auction Wednesday to raise funds for Brovary, Ukraine, one of Rockford's sister cities.
The event is called Art for Peace and takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the University Club, 945 N. Main St. Admission is $25.
All proceeds from the auction of local and collectible artwork will go toward the Brovary Relief Fund to help residents in and around Brovary, which like the rest of Ukraine has been under Russian invasion for the past 125 days.
The event will feature music, food, a cash bar, a silent auction and a live auction event with Mike Robinson as auctioneer. City of Rockford Poet Laureate, Christine Swanberg, will recite an original poem.
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"Residents of our region have shown an extraordinary willingness to help the Ukrainian people as they bravely face challenges we cannot possibly imagine. The heartfelt concern we’ve witnessed from local artists is truly moving," said Mary McNamara Bernsten, executive director of the arts council.
Artists from the region and beyond have submitted pieces to be auctioned for the cause. A historically significant piece — “Popular Success,” created by former Rockford artist John Berry in the wake of the Vietnam conflict — will be the center of a live auction.
Other artists whose work will be part of the event include Kari McDonald, Nancie King Mertz, Rachel Bonaquisti, Betsy Youngquist, Jennifer Furst, Barbara McNamara and Pablo Korona.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Art auction proceeds to assist Rockford sister city in Ukraine
