RIPTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students Tenlyn Wetzel and Beatrice Doria pose with the stack of notecards they created as part of their “Cards for Caring” project, aimed at raising funds for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

RIPTON — Students at Ripton Elementary and Salisbury Community Schools have launched “Cards for Caring”, a service learning project to provide humanitarian relief for Ukraine. 

Students are hard at work during their weekly Art Class making one-of-a-kind note cards that are currently being offered for sale. Under the direction of their Art Teacher, Eileen Gombosi, students are creating handmade note cards using pen and ink, watercolor paint and printmaking and finding inspiration from the art of Ukrainian artist, Maria Prymachenko.

Prymachenko, the most renowned folk artist of Ukraine, is inspiring students with her fantastic creatures, colors and patterns. Her work even inspired artists such as Picasso and Matisse. 

Cards will be bundled in packs of 4 and sell for $5 a pack through local businesses. All proceeds will go to Heart to Heart International, working on the frontlines to aid those affected by the conflict. The students are incredibly excited to make a positive change with their art. Cards for sale can be found at The Middlebury Frameshop on Exchange Street; The Middlebury Studio School, both in the Marble Works and on Route 7 South; Sparrow Art Supply at 52 Main St; and the Ripton Country Store. Cards may also be purchased directly from the schools:  Ripton School, 802-388-2208; Salisbury Community School, 802-352-4291; or by emailing Eileen Gombosi [email protected].