Latter-day Saint Artist, Anna Kovalenko and Havenlight are working together to bring hope to refugees who have fled Ukraine. At twenty years old, she left Ukraine to study abroad at the Cummorah Academy in the Czech Republic for three months beginning in January 2022. Unaware at the time that she would be leaving her family at a pivotal time in their country’s history. Unable to physically help in this fight, she reached out to Havenlight for support. On March 14, 2022, Havenlight released four of Kovalenko’s images to be purchased at havenlight.com, all profits will go directly to the Cummorah Academy who is helping resettle refugees affected by the war in Ukraine.
Kovalenko’s most notable pieces highlight imagery of Jesus Christ, The Kyiv Ukraine Temple and a beautiful depiction of the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kyiv Ukraine temple was the first located within the territory of the former Soviet Union. This image boasts the stunning architecture of the temple and radiates light. The colors used in the background symbolize the Ukraine flag.
After overcoming several hardships and searching for meaning in life, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 16 years old. Kovalenko said “I am inspired by the Gospel and painting is one of my ways to glorify God and express my gratitude. I feel closer to the Savior when I’m painting and I want others to feel the same.”
Havenlight is a Utah based art company that was founded in 1978. Their mission is to provide access to the finest inspirational artists, experience, and fine art products. Steevun Lemon, the CEO of Havenlight, is eager to introduce Anna to their Christian audience in the West, saying “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Anna and support the Cumorah Foundation. At Havenlight, our tagline is “Let art be your voice,” and we believe art can be powerful. Through Ana’s art, we can show our support for millions of Ukrainian refugees in the most significant humanitarian crisis in the world today. We invite you to explore her work and let her art be your voice of support for millions of Ukrainian refugees.”
The Cummorah Academy has served as a space to assist individuals in the desire to follow Jesus Christ and positively impact their lives, careers, home and communities. Reacting to the war in Ukraine they have shifted their focus to provide a space and necessities on the ground to refugees. On March 5, 2022 Doterra held the ‘DoTERRA Healing Hands Cumorah Academy Fundraiser’ as a part of their Engage In Good Initiative. All proceeds donated to the Cumorah Academy will be used to provide emergency supplies, temporary housing and refugee center needs. The supplies needed include food, clothing, diapers, medicine, mattresses, and bedding. The founders of the Cummorah Academy, Patrick and Allyse Sedivy are Utah residents overseeing these efforts abroad.
