Pittston artist Vincent Musto created this abstract 30” x 40” painting on canvas titled “The Birth of War,” the 71-year-old artist’s conception of the war in the Ukraine. Money raised from the $500 price tag will go to the Ukrainian Crisis Relief Fund in care of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Scranton.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
PITTSTON — War-torn Ukraine has been the topic of conversations over the last few weeks and one underlying question is: what can we, in Greater Pittston, do to help?
Many area churches, including St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Scranton, are accepting clothing to send to the Ukraine in an effort to help those fleeing from the country.
Most Ukrainians leaving the country only depart with the clothes on their backs and a small suitcase, so clothing would be the number one need.
Locally, the Greater Pittston Santa Squad (GPSS) will be holding a clothing drive this week beginning today at Done Rite Flooring, 76 S. Main St., from noon to 6 p.m., Monday and from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday.
They are accepting new and slightly used clothing from boys and girls, newborn clothing to high school.
GPSS founder Anthony Marranca said when he saw a plea on local TV news, he felt the GPSS needed to do something.
“This is what we do, it’s our wheelhouse,” Marranca said. “I wouldn’t be right if we just sat back and did nothing.”
Marranca told St. Vladimir’s if the church needed extra storage, the GPSS would have some available.
“We will have this drive and if our clothing doesn’t make the trip to Poland (the first leg of the donation), then we will just make the second plane,” Marranca added.
GPSS will take any donation from people willing to give everything from medical supplies to toys.
Done Rite Flooring is next to Vince’s Pizza located next to the Tomato Festival lower lot.
Art fundraiser for Ukraine
Pittston artist Vincent Musto has created a 30” x 40” abstract painting depicting his version of what war looks like in the Ukraine in a painting titled “The Birth of War.”
“Just from seeing the horrors and atrocities in the Ukraine, I just felt compelled to do something for not only the children’s relief fund, but I just wanted to express my feelings in an abstract way,” Musto said. “I feel this painting captures the war.”
The painting is currently on display at Art e Fekts Gallery across from the Tomato Festival lot.
Musto is looking to sell the art piece where all proceeds will go to the Ukrainian Crisis Relief Fund in care of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Scranton.
The painting is for sale for $500. Musto said the painting would go to the first person putting up $500 or more.
