Silent Auction ItemsJulia Skorija – "Vintage Amber Necklace"
“I started a Ukrainian gift shop when the war in Ukraine began. My original goal was to raise money for shipping humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Then I became an independent seller and have been working with a variety of volunteer organizations in Ukraine, local Ukrainian organizations & artists etc. Later, I added a jewelry section to her gift shop. My goal is to spread the knowledge about Ukrainian culture & traditions.”
Julia is offering this beautiful ‘Vintage Amber Necklace’ from the Baltic Region.
VALUE - $250.00
Marianna Mackanych - 'Freedom'
As an Odessa-born, Pittsburgh-based artist, I create Petrykivka pieces to preserve and to celebrate Ukrainian heritage. My work is deeply inspired by traditional Ukrainian Petrykivka paintings, a style rooted in my homeland where I grew up. This style of painting holds a cherished place in Ukrainian culture. It is a decorative folk art, originating from the heart of Ukraine known for its vibrant colors and intricate floral motifs. It uses imaginative designs that mirror the nation’s rich history and diverse culture.
My “FREEDOM” basket contains a copy of the artwork, four coffee mugs, six coasters and one Christmas ornament, all featuring my “FREEDOM” artwork.
VALUE - $180
Marianna Mackanych - 'Morning'
In recent years, Petrykivka has gained official recognition as part of Ukraine’s intangible cultural heritage and is included on UNESCO”s Repressentative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For me, Petrykivka is more than just a pattern, it is a worldview expressed through rhythm, movement, and breath –truly the art of free people. Through my art, I hope to share the beauty and depth of Ukrainian culture with a wider audience and contribute to its preservation for future generations.
Marianna is offering her original painting called "Morning"
VALUE - $350
Stephen Haluszczak - 'Art by Helping Hands'
The wounds of war cut deep, often leaving bodies mangled, shattered and bloodied. But for many, the deepest cuts are psychological, invisible scars that sometimes never heal. This is especially true for children.
Ukrainian artist Tetiana Mialkovska, is using art to try to heal those wounds. She is founder and director of Pyaternya, a group in Ukraine whose name means “handprint.” Its mission is to comfort those suffering from the emotional trauma unleashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
These children have produced this art.
VALUE - $75.00
Vincent Benson - 'Tower of Sunflowers'
Vincent is a talented Sewickley artist who also happens to have what he calls the “tism.” (autism)
He painted the “Towers of Sunflowers” and it went missing in his family’s house for several months. When they were getting ready to paint the guest room, his grandmother, Linda, found the painting behind a chest of drawers. Ironically, the date that it was found was February 24, 2022 – the exact date on which Putin launched his invasion into Ukraine.
We thank Mark Renger Gallery for donating their time and expertise to frame this poster for this Silent Auction. All the proceeds of the silent auction will go directly to the Doctors United for Ukraine.
VALUE - $110
Lesya Jurgovskyl - 'Kutya Gift Basket'
Kutya Gift Basket Description
Celebrate Ukrainian tradition with this beautifully curated Kutya Gift Basket, thoughtfully assembled to honor the rich heritage of Christmas Eve (Sviat Vechir). Each basket includes authentic, natural ingredients and artisanal hand-crafted items—perfect for preparing traditional kutya, the ceremonial dish symbolizing prosperity, remembrance, and blessings for the year ahead.
What’s Included
✨ Handcrafted Items
• Wooden Bowl with Petrivka Painting
A beautifully hand-painted wooden bowl in the classic Petrivka (Petrykivka) floral style, symbolizing beauty, nature, and the protection of the home.
• Wooden Spoon with Petrikivka /Painting
An artisanal spoon decorated in the Petrykivka style, used traditionally to serve kutya.
• Diduch (Ukrainian Harvest Sheaf)
A small traditional sheaf made of wheat, representing ancestors, family unity, and a home blessed with abundance.
• Candle
A simple beeswax or decorative candle, symbolizing warmth, light, and the presence of loved ones—both living and departed.
✨ Ingredients for Kutya
• Wheat Grains – the central ingredient; symbolizes life, renewal, and prosperity.
• Poppy Seeds – represent abundance and blessings.
• Honey – symbolizes health, sweetness, and harmony in the family.
• Dried Fruits – add richness and signify joy and good fortune.
• Nuts – symbolize strength, health, and fertility.
• Sugar – for extra sweetness in the year to come.
Instructions: How to Make Kutya
Ingredients (included in your basket):
• 1 cup wheat grains
• 2–3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2–3 tablespoons honey
• Handful of dried fruits (raisins, apricots, apples)
• Handful of nuts (walnuts/almonds)
• Sugar to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
1 Prepare the Wheat
◦ Rinse the wheat thoroughly.
◦ Soak overnight or for several hours.
◦ Cook in fresh water until the grains are soft (about 1–1.5 hours).
◦ Drain excess water.
2 Prepare the Poppy Seeds
◦ Rinse and pour boiling water over them.
◦ Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
◦ Drain and grind or crush until they turn light and milky.
3 Combine the Ingredients
◦ Place the cooked wheat into the wooden bowl.
◦ Add poppy seeds, chopped nuts, and dried fruits.
◦ Warm the honey (if necessary) and mix it gently into the kutya.
◦ Add sugar to taste.
4. Hot boiled water to mix
5 Serve
◦ Kutya is served chilled or at room temperature, traditionally as the first dish of the Christmas Eve meal.
Meaning of Each Item in the Basket
Wheat
Symbol of life, new beginnings, and continuity across generations.
Poppy Seeds
Represents abundance and countless blessings.
Honey
Brings sweetness and harmony to the home.
Dried Fruits
Symbolize joy, fertility, and a hopeful future.
Nuts
Represent strength, wisdom, and good health.
Sugar
An additional wish for sweetness and well-being.
Wooden Bowl & Spoon (Petrykivka/Petrivka Art)
Traditional Ukrainian artistry meant to protect the household and celebrate beauty and nature.
Diduch
A sacred festive symbol representing ancestors, the harvest, and the unity of the family.
Candle
Represents spiritual warmth, peace, and the presence of God’s blessing in the home.
VALUE - $120