Sculpture to raise money for Ukraine while adding to city’s collection

A Ukrainian artist is hoping that selling one of his pieces to become a permanent part of Sioux Falls’ sculpture collection will help raise money for his homeland.

Artist Serge Mozhnevsky, a sculptor who has participated in SculptureWalk for many years, was born in Uzhhorod in western Ukraine and now lives in British Columbia.

Mozhnevsky was contacted by Volodymyr Khymynets, a professor and the director of the Transcarpathian charitable foundation Edelweiss, asking for help.

Many refugees — women, children, the disabled and elderly — travel through their city to escape the war, he said. Their needs include food, baby formula, clothing and medical supplies.

In response, Mozhnevsky contacted SculptureWalk to see if organizers were interested in purchasing his current exhibit, Overcoming.

The sculpture is on display at 11th Street and Main Avenue in front of the Washington Pavilion.

It’s valued at $15,000, and the artist plans to donate the entire amount to help the people of Uzhhorod. So far, $5,000 has been pledged.

“I met Serge and his wife, Lucy, many years ago when they came to Sioux Falls. When he called me about this opportunity to help his community, I was moved by his generosity and wanted to help in any way I could,” said Jim Mathis, a member of the SculptureWalk board of directors.

Donations can be made by sending checks to SculptureWalk at 300 S. Phillips Ave., Suite L104, Sioux Falls, SD 57104; calling 605-731-2430; or going to SculptureWalkSiouxFalls.com/Donate.