Brushstrokes of Support: How JFS Helped an Artist Thrive

With the support of JFS, Iryna Litvinova has been able to continue her journey as an artist in the United States, sharing the beauty of Ukrainian folk art with a new community.

Litvinova’s artistic journey began at the age of 3 in Ukraine, where she discovered a deep passion for art. Over the years, she immersed herself in traditional Ukrainian techniques, mastering the use of specialized brushes that create thick, bold strokes.

For 15 years in Ukraine, Litvinova dedicated herself entirely to volunteer work. She participated in more than 150 exhibitions, sharing her artwork with local communities and teaching young students as a volunteer teacher at a drawing school.

“In Ukraine, I only did it for volunteer work,” she said. “I would give my work to children and teach at a drawing school. I was trying to spread the culture.”

After moving to the United States due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Litvinova and her family faced significant challenges, including having to lose their home. Art became both a lifeline and a way to continue preserving and sharing their cultural heritage. With JFS’ support, most notably Ukrainian Resettlement Case Manager Valeriy Ryabukha, Litvinova and her family were able to obtain essential equipment for their work, from frames to paint, allowing them to participate in exhibitions and continue their creative projects.

“We kept showing JFS our work,” she said. “When we need help, they’ll buy us frames or paint. They’ll come to our exhibitions. We are very happy to keep in touch with them.”

Her work now reaches audiences far beyond her local community. She is authoring a book about Ukraine and her artwork, planned for distribution in Israel, Netherlands, United States, Germany and Spain. Even while building a new life in a foreign country, Litvinova has maintained her dedication to teaching and sharing her craft, giving parts of her work to others to help spread Ukrainian traditions and technique.

In a heartfelt letter to JFS, Iryna expressed her gratitude for their support:

“I sincerely thank you for your kindness, attention and constant readiness to lend a helping hand. Your involvement has great meaning for me and inspires me to move forward. Thanks to JFS, I realized that even in a foreign country one can find a genuine community that welcomes and supports. Your work is an example of humanity and compassion that truly changes lives for the better."

For Litvinova, art is more than a vocation. It is a bridge between cultures, a way to honor her heritage and a testament to resilience in the face of hardship. With the help of JFS, she continues to grow as an artist, inspire others and share Ukrainian culture with the world, proving that creativity, community and compassion can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.