As the war in Ukraine intensifies, one northern Michigan artist has taken it upon herself to help the Ukranian people. Her tool of choice? A tea towel.
Joann Condino is the co-owner of Three Pines Studios and Gallery located in Cross Village. And one of Condino’s passions in life is making wood-blocked tea towels by hand.
The photos of human suffering from Ukraine prompted her to do something with her art. Sunflowers, wheat and the Ukrainian flag are the center pieces of her new collection of tea towels she’s been selling online and at her shop.
50% of sales are being sent to the World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that’s stationed along the Ukrainian border, serving hot meals to hungry refugees and delivering flour to bakeries in Kyiv.
Condino says sales and community support have been overwhelming.
“I have seamstresses who are volunteering their time, both here and in northern Michigan. I received a call and offer of help all the way from Texas," said Condino.
Condino also said she’s sold more than 400 tea towels so far. Just this week, she sent another $3,000 to help the people of Ukraine and that it has be hard to keep up with demand.
"I have had my phone dinging all night long so I'm sure there are more orders coming in," said Condino.
As of Wednesday morning, she will be sending another $3,000 to aid the people of Ukraine.
Condino has also released a Ukrainian fairy doll as part of the collection of products that will benefit Ukrainians in crisis.
