Our New Roots Fund micro-enterprise program gives out small loans to immigrants and refugees to start or grow their business. One of our clients this year is an artist from Ukraine, Valeria. Her work includes folk art with bold paintings of flowers, known as petrykivka, landscapes and paintings on household objects, such as cutting boards and journals.

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She and her family endured considerable trials to get to the US. Her eldest son, Roman Jr., had enlisted in the war and was captured while defending Mariupol at the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works. The Russian military started looking for Valeria's family after learning that Roman Jr. was in the military. After a harrowing escape in a hearse, the only vehicle large enough to carry their whole family, they made it to Poland. They then made their way to Tijuana and met with the US Border Patrol to gain entry to the US.

After finally arriving in the US, Valeria’s family, “was surprised to see all the kindness and friendliness of people here. After we were left with nothing, every place we went to, everyone was welcoming, and we were never refused help.”

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Valeria started painting again to deal with the grief of war and worry for her son. She originally studied with Ukrainian artist Antonina Kovalenko. Her gallery in Orting sells her art, with proceeds going to support her family, and to friends and family still in Ukraine. She also donates artwork to fundraisers for organizations supporting Ukraine. “It was very hard for us to be here and see all this good stuff and experience this while we know our people, families in Ukraine are still suffering,” Valeria said. “We couldn’t allow ourselves to feel happy because the mourning is still there for our family.”

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Through the New Roots Fund, she was able to receive a business loan and attend workshops to help her business. Stop by her shop UKROP-ART in Orting, or visit her online store at https://ukrop-art.com/ to see her beautiful artwork!