‘Ukraine Will Always Be My Homeland,’ Belleville Artist Says

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The message behind the paintings is simple, yet poignant: “Belleville stands with the people of Ukraine.”

Bearing slogans such as “Defend Democracy,” “No War” and “Freedom,” the blue and yellow banners – painted in the national colors of Ukraine – are the work of Belleville artist Athena Zhe, a Ukranian native. In all, more than two dozen works hang near the entryway of Town Hall, put there as part of a recent show of solidarity with the European nation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has seen global condemnation after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has already cost at least 136 civilian lives, with the true figure feared to be much higher, the United Nations reported last week.

The fear and uncertainty has hit close to home for many people in New Jersey. Some Garden State residents have struggled to escape Ukraine after the invasion, including a pro athlete and a well-known dancer and business owner. Other New Jerseyans have family members living in Ukraine, and say their households are "in turmoil" with worry.

Those left watching the news night after night include Zhe, who called the support she’s seen in Belleville “very touching.”

Zhe recently joined Mayor Michael Melham in unfurling a large Ukranian flag from the second story window outside the mayor’s office.

“Make no mistake: Belleville stands with Ukraine and against this incursion into a free, democratic country,” Melham said. “These paintings convey the thoughts and words we hold in our hearts at this time: hope, resistance, freedom, love, peace.”

In a statement, Belleville town officials said Zhe has become an essential part of the community over the past few years, an “artist-in-residence of sorts” who has worked with everyone from the township’s Green Team to Belleville High School students on various murals around town.

For example, thousands of residents have marveled at the costumes she designed and created at events such as the Belleville Winter Fest and the Three Kings Day Celebration. Read More: Cars, Camels And Candy At Belleville 'Three Kings Day' Event

And it’s hard to miss perhaps her most vibrant and vital work, officials said – the sprawling Cherry Blossom Art Mural that pays homage to Belleville’s title as “The Cherry Blossom Capital of America.” Read More: Belleville Artist, Teens Create Massive Cherry Blossom Mural (See It Here)

“Belleville has become my home, but Ukraine will always be my homeland,” Zhe said. “Like many others, I have watched Russia’s invasion of my homeland on the news and my heart is heavy.”

• See related article: Belleville Church 'Praying' For Ukraine On Ash Wednesday
• See related article: Nutley Glows Blue, Yellow In Solidarity With Ukraine

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