Local artist donates piece in support of Ukraine

Gunderson spent three weeks to create a mask, covererd in blue and yellow–colors that he says will dominate the rest of our lives. The mask also has white teardrops painted to symbolize the pain that the country is going through. He’s hopeful those tears will dry up soon—to symbolize a conflict resolution.

“The cities there, remind me so much of Prince George, other than they’re a lot older. But to imagine, our city to be destroyed or families being destroyed, or friends being destroyed. It’s so hard to take in. We can turn the TV off, the poor people there, they can’t.” said Gunderson.

The piece was gifted to the Ukrainian St. George Church.

“It’s very easy to pick up money from your pocket and give it, but the moment you create this masterpiece, you know you put all your heart or all your emotion. So those tears, they’re not only painted, they’ve already inside the artist. It’s sharing more than just money.” said Father Andrii Chornenkyii.

The mask will be among a list of other items that’ll be auctioned off at an event on a future date.

“Today is just another example of why we love the community we live in. People have big hearts, they step up and they show how much they care.” said MLA Shirley Bond.

Bond says this shows that Prince George is the perfect place for refugees to settle in. She adds that work is continuing to be done in preparation for potential refugees.

The mask is currently hung up at MP Todd Doherty’s office and all are welcomed to view the art piece.

by Oli Herrera

Local artist donates piece in support of Ukraine

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