As Russia continues to bombard the homeland of the Ukrainian people, many are fleeing to refuge, leaving behind their homes and worldly possessions.
To help bring hope to the refugees, 20-year-old Ukrainian Latter-day Saint artist, Anna Kovalenko, has partnered with a Utah-based art company called Heavenlight. Founded in 1978, the mission of Heavenlight is to provide access to the finest inspirational artists, experience, and fine art products.
Speaking of Anna’s art, Steevun Lemon, the CEO of Havenlight, said, “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Anna and support the Cumorah Foundation. At Havenlight, our tagline is ‘Let art be your voice,’ and we believe art can be powerful. Through Anna’s art, we can show our support for millions of Ukrainian refugees in the most significant humanitarian crisis in the world today. We invite you to explore her work and let her art be your voice of support for millions of Ukrainian refugees.”
Anna left Ukraine to study abroad at the Cumorah Academy in the Czech Republic for three months, which began in January 2022. When she left home, she could not have imagined that a tragedy such as war would soon break out, causing her to leave her family behind at a pivotal time in their country’s history.
Unable to physically help in the fight, Anna reached out to Havenlight for support. On 14 March 2022, Havenlight released four of Anna’s images to be purchased at havenlight.com. All profits from the sales go directly to The Cumorah Academy, which has served as a space to assist individuals in the desire to follow Jesus Christ and positively impact their lives, careers, home, and communities. In response to the current crucial situation in Ukraine, they have shifted their focus to providing space and necessities to help resettle refugees affected by the war.
On 5 March 2022, Doterra held the “DoTERRA Healing Hands Cumorah Academy Fundraiser” as a part of their “Engage In Good Initiative.” All proceeds donated to the Cumorah Academy will be used to provide emergency supplies, temporary housing, and refugee center needs. The supplies needed include food, clothing, diapers, medicine, mattresses, and bedding. The founders of the Cumorah Academy, Patrick and Allyse Sedivy are Utah residents overseeing these efforts abroad.
Anna’s most notable pieces highlight imagery of Jesus Christ, The Kyiv Ukraine Temple, and a beautiful depiction of the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kyiv Ukraine temple was the first located within the territory of the former Soviet Union. This image of the Kyiv Ukraine Temple radiates light, and the colors used in the background symbolize the Ukraine flag.
After overcoming several hardships and searching for meaning in life, Anna became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 16 years old. She said, “I am inspired by the Gospel and painting is one of my ways to glorify God and express my gratitude. I feel closer to the Savior when I’m painting, and I want others to feel the same.”
