Kate Palyshniuk moved to Batesville less than a year ago from her native country of Ukraine. 

She is a photographer with a PhD in veterinary science and was living in Kyiv, the nation's capital, prior to moving to the United States. 

"Ukraine is a wonderful country with amazing nature, free education, ancient castles, diverse culture and very kind people," said Palyshniuk. "Before the war, life was peaceful and amazing there." 

However, the Russian invasion quickly stole something sacred from Ukrainian citizens: Freedom. 

Palyshniuk compares the ongoing crisis with what Americans were fighting for in the Revolutionary War. 

She stays in contact with her family who lives throughout Ukraine, including in Kyiv as well as Russian-occupied Crimea. 

"My father is also in the middle of Ukraine, and is somewhat in a safe environment, but again this is war and you never know when bomb or shot may fly and hit my father's home," she explained. 

Palyshniuk is hoping the citizens of Batesville can get behind her fundraiser which will raise money for Ukrainian people in need. 

She is hosting a silent auction for her world-class photography at the Batesville Memorial Public Library on Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

"I hope people can come and not only donate, but mostly share their position of supporting Ukraine through this fundraiser," Palyshniuk said. "Because right now, every prayer and every dollar matters to what is happening."

While in Ukraine, her art was featured in news articles as well as art exhibitions in Kyiv.