On their first day back in the Art Room Meek Elementary students designed colorful covers for their portfolios. Lindsay Johnson is happy to be back teaching art again. 

ARLEY — An Arley art class, Art with Friends, is accepting donations to aid Ukrainian citizens. In exchange, a small watercolor painting will be gifted back to each donor. 

The first 50 donors will receive an original piece. Subsequent donors will receive printed pieces. All will feature sunflowers, the official flower of Ukraine, chosen by the art class.  

All donations will go directly to Americares, a 501-c-3 charity. The organization is providing medicine, medical supplies, emergency funding and medical professionals to help families in need in Ukraine.

“Sometimes you just have to figure out way to help” was the recurring comment in Susan Ripp’s watercolor class. With concerns over the events in the Ukraine, everyone asked, "What could we do?"

Ripp and her students developed an idea to share their artwork with like-minded folks as encouragement for donations to help the Ukrainian peoples’ struggle. 

Ripp calls her classes "Art with Friends." They have been refining their skills with sunflowers in honor of Ukraine. The plan is to eventually sell printed sunflower notecards and maybe auto decals, but for an immediate start, donations will be collected and forwarded directly to Americares. 

“Art can inspire us, challenge us, move us, and add beauty to our lives," Ripp said. "My hope is that our sunflower project will help lift the hearts of the innocent citizens of Ukraine who are now in their darkest days. May the fields of sunflowers return again, and may the donations we forward help the innocents.” 

Judy Crump of Arley has taken the art classes for several years, and hopes the sunflower donation project will reach beyond the local community. 

“We have the ability to make a difference, and we loved the idea of sharing our sunflowers. The sunflower is a symbol of peace. We all hope for peace and aide to the Ukrainians, especially the children,” Crump said.

Another longtime student, Glennis Posey of Double Springs, emphasized her feelings with, “Ukrainians matter!”

Student Beth Sargent added, “I was so pleased when Susan suggested we do something special to raise money and awareness. We selected Americares because of their low administrative expenses and their commitment to help citizens in Ukraine, half a world away. They have a 4-star (4/4) rating with Charity Navigator. The artwork gift represents a token of appreciation and will encourage local people to give. We all had the same thought — how to help? This is our effort, our contribution.” 

To donate and receive back a piece of art or a print in watercolor or mixed media, make a check payable to Americares and send to Susan Ripp, Art with Friends, 1192 Dave Wilson Circle Houston, AL 35572. 

Be sure to include your return address. Americares checks may also be dropped off at the Smith Lake Community Center on Helicon Road in Arley on Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon.  

Source: Daily Mountain Eagle - April 9-10, 2022

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