ASHEVILLE, N.C. — From sending food and hygiene kits directly to Ukraine, to raising money to help repair homes in the hardest-hit cities, the Ukrainian National Women's League of America has members across the country contributing.
One of those members can be found in the heart of the River Arts District, making a difference, one pysanky egg at a time.
“All of the symbols have meaning,” artist Andrea Kulish said. “They’re all good wishes. Strength and good health, this is what I’m wishing for Ukraine.”
The art of pysanky, decorating the hollowed-out or wooden eggs, is an old tradition. Kulish meticulously paints vivid colors and patterns with the bright, white shell as her blank canvas.
Kulish has felt a deep connection to the country since childhood.
“I spoke Ukrainian till I was 3,” Kulish said. “Even though I’ve never been to Ukraine, it’s very dear to me. I grew up immersed in the culture, making these pysanky, attending Ukrainian festivals, musicals.”
When the Russian army invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kulish shut the doors to her local art business.
“I put up a sign that said ‘closed, too upset about Ukraine,’” Kulish said. “I was crying. I was in shock. I was so upset, and I didn’t want to talk with anyone.”
After two days, she reopened with a new vision. Fifty percent of her profits from traditional pysanky eggs would go to the Ukrainian National Women's League of America's humanitarian fund.
“That felt good, and then I started creating pysanky where 100% went to Ukraine,” Kulish said. “That’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”
She’s not stopping there – Kulish plans to fundraise for the rest of her life to help rebuild Ukraine, while teaching her traditions in pysanky workshops.
“There’s also a legend that says that as long as pysanky are being created, the world will remain,” Kulish said. “I feel like what I’m doing is a drop in the bucket of what needs to be done, but at the same time, I’ve been doing all I can to help Ukraine since the invasion happened. As of today I’ve raised about $66,000 for Ukraine.”
Through all her efforts, she feels an ever deeper connection to her parents and knows she’s making them proud.
“My father was a big advocate for Ukraine, and he was always doing something to help Ukraine,” Kulish said. “For example, he got the first MRI machine for Ukraine when they really needed it after the Chernobyl disaster. I feel like I’m continuing his work. Also, my mom being an artist, I feel like I’m a combination of my parents through my work for Ukraine and through art.”
Not only is Kulish working in the studio, but she’s also bringing her efforts to the kitchen. Kulish recently hosted a bake sale to raise money toward the humanitarian fund and raised $1,600 in one day.
