By: Lindy Obach, EL and Citizenship Teacher
Alina Shuhaliei is one of the many Ukrainian students who has recently joined our English language learner program at the Dickinson Adult Learning Center. She is a welcome member of the English 1 class with Teacher Dina; she is also a talented and prolific artist whose paintings have garnered attention and awards at the recent Badlands Art Association’s Environmental Health Awareness Art Show.
At the show, Alina’s painting “North Dakota Pumpjack” won Best of Show, and her “Gray-Blue Fire Horse” won 1st place in the Agriculture and Industry category. Finally, her “Dakota Steak Reverie” won 2nd place in the Bountiful Food category. Alina is very proud of her work and this impressive recognition.
Alina came to the US with her family to seek safety and stability after the war began. She’s originally from the historic city of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine, and Dickinson has become the place where they can rebuild their lives. She has been passionate about art since young, and she says, “Painting helps me express emotions that are difficult to put into words. When I paint, I feel calm, focused, and free. I create art to turn emotion into color and memory into symbols.” Alina loves creating bold, vibrant paintings that often feature powerful animals, expressive human connections, and the blending of her Ukrainian heritage with her new life in North Dakota.
Though rebuilding a life in a new country is daunting, Alina finds friendship and community at the Dickinson Adult Learning Center: “My teacher Dina plays a special role in my journey – she believes in my creativity, supports me through challenges, and genuinely cares about my progress. The entire staff and my classmates make school feel like a welcoming community where everyone is valued.” Alina also finds the people in Dickinson to be kind and interested in helping newcomers succeed.
Alina uses her art to connect to her new home. Before the war, one or her designs was turned into a real monument for a city, and she wants to bring that same cultural contribution to Dickinson. “Participating in exhibitions now, and receiving local awards, motivates me to grow as a painter and helps me connect with fellow community members,” says Alina. Alina has been invited to participate in a juried Art Exhibition in Medora in May, and she’s excited for her work to reach more people.
Congratulations, Alina! The DALC is so proud of your success!