A Shrewsbury-based pioneer project has been involved in raising over £25,000 for the Red Cross Ukraine appeal in two and a half weeks.
The Revd Adam Gompertz steers the REVs chaplaincy among classic car enthusiasts across the country.
“I was having a long phone call with Jonny Ambrose [an automotive sculptor who’s contributed to REVs events in the past], talking about the situation. It was just two guys sitting down and thinking ‘we can do a bit of colouring in’,” said Adam.
The pair invited any artist among their contacts to take part – to date over 70 artists from Britain, Europe, the United States and beyond have donated artworks which have been auctioned via Instagram and Twitter.
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JonnyAmbrose (left) and Revd Adam Gompertz (right) whose conversation began the Auto Artists for Ukraine project. |  |
“People have been so incredibly generous, it’s staggering really, partly because everyone feels so useless and what do you. After a bit, others who we didn’t know have been getting in touch wanting to be involved.
“One guy sold four pieces for £4,000. But the amount doesn’t matter in some ways - people want to get involved and be constructive. We want most works to be affordable at a set price so that everyone can participate.”
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Just three examples of work donated by artists:Jaguar E-type by Monika Godsmark (left): Jonny Ambrose's sculpture of a Porsche 917 (middle) and something |
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Launching on 3 March, they had raised £3,000 in two days, £10,000 in a week and over £22,000 in a fortnight.
Funds are all going to the Red Cross - one of the dozen charities contributing to the DEC.
“We chose the Red Cross initially because a) they’re working on the ground already, and b) they are represented in most countries where contributing artists,” Adam said.
See more at @auto_artists_for_ukraine on Instagram or the Auto Artists for Ukraine web page and follow Adam with the (multi-award-winning) REVs chaplaincy @REVsLimiter (IG) or on Facebook. Jonny Ambrose also has an Instagram feed.