Peterborough Artist Raises $8,450 For Ukraine With Auction

Local artist Nick Leniuk of Riverbend Studio raised $8,450 for the Canada Ukraine Foundation-Ukrainian Canadian Congress by auctioning a handmade, Ukraine inspired carving.

Nick Leniuk in his home studio with his piece ‘Rise Above’.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Leniuk, a first generation Canadian-Ukrainian, knew he wanted to do something to help.

As a sculptor, he decided on creating and auctioning a unique piece.

All the pieces Leniuk carves are drawn by hand, though because he wanted to get this one done quickly he searched the internet for a silhouette of a sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower.

He found a silhouette he liked and learned it was drawn by a Russian artist, who completely supported Leniuk’s intentions.

Leniuk facilitated the auction through his social media, with bids coming through direct messages, with the auction closing Monday at 4 p.m.

By Monday morning the bidding was at about $1,500, but soon a bidding war began.

“There were two bidders that were upping it by about $100 every half hour or so,” he said. “I was getting stressed out. I always feel bad because not everyone can win.”

With about three minutes left in the auction and two bidders competing, a third bidder offered $3,000, says Leniuk.

“I was floored,” said Leniuk. “I couldn’t update my sites quick enough.”

One bidder dropped out, while the second proposed an idea to Leniuk.

They suggested that Leniuk ask the winning bidder if he could make a second sunflower piece, which they would purchase for $3,000.

The winning bidder agreed, which means Leniuk has sold two pieces at $3,000.

“He was happy to go along with that proposal,” said Leniuk. “As long as he got the first piece, only two were ever made and that his was certified as the original.”

Both winning bidders requested that they remain anonymous.

The additional money was donated by friends, family and supporters on Leniuk.

“I had really modest expectations, but it snowballed into something that was bigger than I ever expected.”

Leniuk, who’s father Antony was born in Ukraine and came to Canada after World War Two, still has family in Europe.

His cousin, born in Ukraine and living in Paris, has a son that has returned to Ukraine to resist foreign invaders.

Leniuk notes that although this is a different war, and different times, his family has gone through this before.

His uncle, who he was named after, fought in the Ukrainian resistance during World War Two. He was discovered by police who were cooperating with Nazis, and never seen again.

His cousins son reached out to Leniuk, and thanked him for his contribution from Canada.

“It’s gratifying to be able to contribute on behalf of so many people,” he said. “It’s the people that make these this happen.”

Leniuk will officially make the donation this week, after payments are finalized, and post the receipt on social media.

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