Bowling Green artist gives artwork proceeds to Ukraine

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The work of a Bowling Green artist is helping people thousands of miles away. 

100% of the proceeds from local Vivienne Strauss’ artwork is going to assist Ukraine as the war wages on. 

“Instead of doing nothing, I decided to do something. And I’ll just keep on doing it,” said Strauss. 

Her painting, Klara with the Sunflowers, is a grandma with sunflowers in the background, the national flower of Ukraine. You can also buy the painting as notecards or prints

And not only are people in Bowling Green buying her artwork, her efforts are being heard around the country. A woman from South Carolina purchased a $300 painting of Klara.

“I’ve never been able to give somebody three hundred dollars. And that’s what the woman paid for that painting. She sent it to me and I immediately sent it to Ukraine and I was like wow I have never been able to do that,” said Strauss. 

“One visual can speak volumes and a picture says a thousand words,” said Patty Kelley, the South Carolina woman who purchased the painting. 

Kelley said she’s been a fan of Strauss’ work for years, and wanted to help Ukraine in any way she could.

“I believe every little bit helps and in whatever way that anyone can add any piece to that effort, it’s beyond anything that I can imagine,” said Kelley. 

Strauss hopes what she’s doing encourages others to give back to Ukraine and educate them about the conflict going on. 

“Little acts of kindness add up, don’t be deterred from donating, I think every little bit counts,” said Strauss. 

To buy her painting and help Ukraine, click here.