Final yr, animator-turned-portrait-artist Wealthy Wilkie made it his mission to color 100 portraits of Ukrainian refugees. Now, he’s lastly reached his aim and all 100 of his work will probably be on show to the general public as a fundraiser, titled Eyes of Warfare — Eyes of Hope, on the Group Arts Workshop (CAW) from August 15-18, with a reception on the ultimate day from 4-8 p.m.
“I deal with expressing feelings and motion in a nonetheless picture. I painted like this for a few yr when Russia invaded Ukraine and pictures of terrified refugees flooded the media,” Wilkie stated. “These kids had a lot pathos of their faces, I needed to paint them.”
For Wilkie, having the proceeds of his artwork go towards serving to Ukrainian refugees felt proper, however organizing it was one other hurdle.
“Serving to the Ukrainian refugees appeared like the suitable factor to do,” he stated. “I can sit in my studio all day portray — it comes simple for me. Getting out and asking individuals for cash, donations, assist, is a problem. A fundraiser shouldn’t be in my consolation zone, so it’s forcing me to stretch.”
Work by San Juan Bautista–primarily based artist Alex Gorelik and sculptures by Santa Barbara–primarily based ceramic artist Burt Horowitz may also be on show. All earnings from the sale of the three artists’ work will probably be donated to native nonprofits, together with World Dance for Humanity, Direct Reduction, Voice of the Kids, Ukrainian Girls of Santa Barbara, and First Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church of Santa Barbara.
On the CAW reception, reside Ukrainian music and dance performances will assist honor the persistent spirit of Ukraine, which Wilkie highlights in his work.
“Kids are very resilient. They see different kids; they begin to play and snigger. They return to life,” Wilkie stated. “I referred to those kids because the ‘Eyes of Hope.’ They’re the hope for Ukraine’s future.” —Hannah Weaver
Extra details about the occasion and methods to help Wilkie’s work could be discovered on his web site, richwilkie.com. To go to the exhibit, see sbcaw.org.
