Local artist offers support for Ukrainian refugees

Chesterfield based artist, Anastasia Paskova, has been heartbroken by what has been happening in Ukraine since the Russian invasion, and the plight of refugees who have had to leave their homes.

Anastasia moved to England 10 years ago from Estonia. She is part Ukrainian through her parents. She told us that, as she listened to the news, she felt that she wanted to do something to help but didn’t know what. The young artist did, however, start working on a painting which expressed her
hopes and feelings.

That piece of work has now been completed and Anastasia will now be auctioning the painting to raise funds for Ukrainian relief. Anastasia said to us: “We live in a small flat with our 4 year old daughter, and I could not think what I could possibly do to help. Then I thought that, by selling one of my paintings I could perhaps do something at least. I would love to feel that we had been able to do just something that would benefit those poor people.”

Anastasia wanted to ensure that any money raised would find its way directly to where it was needed so her business coach, Paul Davies, who is a member of Chesterfield Rotary, suggested that she send the money via the Rotary organisation which has local members working on the ground in the countries neighbouring Ukraine. Paul explained “Rotary is an international organisation with members and clubs in most countries around the world. Our members in eastern Europe are working directly with refugees and we know that every penny raised will find its way to where it is needed.

The painting titled “Praying for Peace” is a 40cm x 40cm acrylic on canvas painting, and it will be auctioned via the website Galabid over the coming weeks: www.galabid.com/rotaryukraine .

There will also be 10 limited edition and numbered prints available for sale with all proceeds going to Ukrainian relief.

Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, is supporting Anastasia’s efforts. He said “Like everyone I have been moved by the terrible events in Ukraine. It is wonderful to see people like Anastasia doing something practical to provide help to those people in such desperate need.”