NCAA continues fundraising to purchase Ukrainian artist's sculpture

"Kore That Awakening," a sculpture on loan from Ukrainian artist Egor Zigura, is getting closer to calling Niwot home.

On April 1, the Sculpture Park Committee of the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), made up of Anne Postle, Lisa Rivard, and Jill Whitener, kicked off a fundraising effort to purchase the sculpture. Since the event, the fund to purchase the $25,000 sculpture has continued to grow.

Vicki Maurer, treasurer of the NCAA, said the total money raised to date sits at $9,899.60. These funds have come through online and mailed donations as well as the April 1 First Friday Artwalk kick-off event. Around the World Day on May 14 raised an additional $1,968.60.

"We have seen quite a bit of money trickle in, but it seems like when there's an event, then it ramps up a little bit more," said Maurer.

The NCAA also has a commitment of a matching $10,000 donation from an anonymous donor, which will bring the total funds close to $20,000.

"We're hoping to be able to raise the remaining funds in the next few months," said Maurer.

Bruce Warren, president of the NCAA, noted that the payment for the sculpture, once raised, would be paid through Zigura's agent, who is based in New York. The NCAA receives a 30% commission on sales and will fund the balance of the purchase price that is not raised through fundraising. "We will have additional expenses associated with building a permanent platform for the sculpture," Warren said.

Once purchased, "Kore That Awakening" will become the third permanent piece in the Niwot Sculpture Park, joining Scott Reuman's "Spirit of the River Does Not Live Long in a Drainage Pipe" and Rollin Karg's "Waco Curves" as a perennial installation. The Sculpture Park is a temporary home to other sculptures on loan from artists, all of which are for sale.

At the time of publication, no updates were available regarding Zigura, who had reportedly fled his country with his family when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Initial communication with him had indicated that he intended to use the funds from the NCAA's purchase of "Kore That Awakening" to help other struggling Ukrainian artists.

"I think people are very empathetic with Ukrainians' plight right now and feel like they want to do something to help. And it's a way here in our community to pool our funds and make a bigger difference," said Maurer.

Tax deductible donations toward the purchase of the sculpture can be made to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA) by sending a check to P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544, or online at http://www.niwotarts.org. Donors should indicate in the notes that the donation is for "Awakening."