Valentina and Anna Dyshlovya
October 16, 2024

Today our spotlight shine and mother/daughter artists, Valentina and Anna Dyshlovya who recently completed a stunning mural in the entrance of Jewish Family Service’s new office location in Niagara Falls.

As war erupted across Ukraine in 2022, Jewish Family Services quickly mobilized to develop resources and support for Ukrainians seeking to relocate to safety in the United States. Working in close collaboration with a group of dedicated and generous volunteers from the Federation’s Holocaust Education Resource Organization (HERO), JFS was able to bring Valentina, her husband Dmitri, their daughter Anna and two of her siblings to Buffalo.

The Dyshlovyi family has worked hard to adapt to life in Buffalo and sought opportunities to help others. A family of talented artists, they have created several outlets to share their gifts with the community. In addition to painting the mural at JFS’s new Niagara Fall’s location, they’ve hosted Sip and Paint activities and a children’s club for Ukrainian families.

The mural depicts a view of the falls overlayed by an array of raised hands, standing for diversity and JFS’s commitment to serving all members of the community. Valentina shares: “When we arrived in US, we experienced help and welcoming from so many people. We believe that art is more than just image or object of adoration; art is one of the ways to share a message, it speaks volumes and connects many people.” Now each client who enters JFS’ Niagara Falls office will have a visible reminder that they are welcomed, valued, and supported.

The Dyshlovyi family’s story is a powerful reminder that each of us has the power and responsibility to pursue our collective value of Tikkun Olam. Their work to make our community more beautiful and vibrant in the face of adversity is inspiring and serves as a powerful call to action for each of us to share our own gifts. To learn more about the Dyshlovyi family, their resiliency, and their work in our community, please watch this short video: vimeo.com/943773115.

We are grateful to Lauren Maguire, Vice President of Development and Community Engagement for JFS who contributed to this story.