Artists, Art, and Community are the Right Ingredients for “Grove Art Feeds Ukraine,” May 21

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Artist Trina Collins with one of her paintings, entitled “Ukraine” that she is donating to the May 21 Grove Art Feeds Ukraine fundraiser.

More than 30 artists in Coconut Grove and the Greater Miami area are joining hands to donate their original art to raise money to help feed Ukrainians impacted by the ongoing Russian attacks there. Featured at the “Grove Art Feeds Ukraine” fundraiser, May 21, 6-9:00 p.m., will be dozens of original pieces for sale to the public in a silent auction. Sponsored by the Gifford Lane Art Stroll and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the special event takes place at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery.

All funds raised will go to Chef José Andrés and his flagship World Central Kitchen to assist his U.S.-based humanitarian organization continue to provide daily onsite hot food to people in the cities and destroyed villages of Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes, and in many cases, have lost all access to the basic essentials of everyday living, including food and water.

“The Grove doesn’t have to change the world with this project, we just have to join with other good people across the planet and do our part,” says Coconut Grove resident and artist Trina Collins, organizer of the drive. Funds will also be directed to help Chef Andrés feed fleeing Ukrainians in the long lines at border sites and refugee camp – mainly women and children who are escaping into neighboring countries including Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and Slovakia. 

Collins says the effort to launch a local fundraiser began in early March. “I had this idea of artists actually donating art so people could then buy it – and all the money would go directly to the incredible efforts of Chef Andrés. I approached the folks at the Grove Arts Festival, and they said, ‘absolutely yes, let’s do it.’”

Adds Collins, “And not a single artist I contacted said no.”  

Multiple civic groups in Coconut Grove are also now lining up to join the effort, including the organizers of the annual St. Stephen’s Art Show. “Now all we have to do is to show up – and we will.

“Artists deal with truth every day,” says Collins, “and now we are all being invited to one of those moments.” Other partners in the project are the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, and the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. Various restaurants throughout the Grove are planning to contribute wine and food for the event, as well.

Chef José Andrés and the World Central Kitchen has thus far served more than 16 million meals and have teams active in 110 cities and towns in Ukraine.

Collins emphasized that everything from the refreshments and appetizers to the graphics, printing, and staffing – and of course, the art itself – is being provided completely free of charge. “Because of the generosity of so many caring people in our community, absolutely 100 percent of the event proceeds will go directly to the World Central Kitchen.”

The event takes place in the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery, located at the Mayfair-In-The-Grove complex, 3390 Mary Street, Miami FL 33133. The entrance to underground paid parking at Mayfair is located on Florida Ave. Pedestrian access to the Arts Festival Gallery is from the adjacent Grand Avenue sidewalk. General admission (with a voluntary donation) is 7-9 p.m. Early VIP admission, starting at 6 p.m. costs $25. 

Chef Andrés puts it best, “Food has the power to create a better world.  A plate of food is a plate of hope.” Andrés is a Spanish chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. Visit www.wck.org.

Long-time resident of Coconut Grove, Trina Collins is a painter who formed the Gifford Lane Art Stroll 24 years ago on the same block where she lives. Located at 3230 Gifford Lane, Miami, FL 33133, it is now attended by thousands of residents each year. Visit www.facebook.com/GiffordLaneArtStroll.

For event information, call 305-445-9698 or send an email to davidbarrycollins@gmail.com.


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