Thirty-nine youth artists from Bucks County joined together to create one collaborative painting, "Sunflowers for Ukraine," to raise money for refugee children who recently arrived in the area, and who will be their new classmates this fall.
Each sunflower petal was painted by a local student to show their support. As a fundraiser, 11-by-14-inch posters of the painting, which read "Peace, Love, & Hope for Ukraine," are available for purchase for $15 a piece at Countryside Gallery, 2 South State St., in historic Newtown.
The original 24-by-30-inch painting on canvas was on display at Countryside Gallery and was sold to the highest bidder via silent auction. Bids were accepted until July 30. It is signed on the back by all of the aspiring artists.
The Sunflowers for Ukraine artwork was painted by Amelia Binkley, Ava Barbrow, Jack Barbrow, Connor Boucher, Brynn Casey, Erin Casey, Allison Cirillo, Victoria Cirillo, Taylor Dahms, Amanda Gardner, Addison Kohler, Olivia Kelly, Anthony Kelly, Hanna Lipski, Andrew Loudon, Tim Loudon, Abbie Lustig, Keiley Lyons, Darcy McCullough, Sophia McGee, William McNamara, Ava Peterson, Alivia Peterson, Violet Peterson, Grace Porter, Sarah Porter, Chris Riether, Camille Rizzo, Morgan Schimek, Gabi Smith, Reece Smith, Abby Steadman, Chase Steadman, Erin Stone, Ian Stone, Katie Sukunda, Charlotte Van Lieu, Ella Walsh, and Abby Walsh.
In alliance with the Newtown Rotary C.A.R.E.S. program, 100% of the proceeds raised from the purchase of the posters and the original painting will go toward helping the local Ukrainian refugee children and their families.
Countryside Gallery also is the drop off location for anyone who wishes to donate $25 Walmart, Target and Visa gift cards that will be distributed to the Ukrainian families. Countryside Gallery hours are Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.