Local Artist Donates Her Time and Talents to Brighten Belleville
Posted July 07, 2020Photo credit: Belleville Township - Ukranian-born artist Athena Zhe working on a patriotic painting in the park as a backdrop to the township's Fourth of July activities.
A colorful mural that adorns Town Hall has been created by an artist who has come to Belleville from half a world away.
The “Belleville Strong” piece is big, bright and bold, and it’s a reminder of how much immigrants continue to contribute to the township and the nation.
As the United States celebrates Independence Day this weekend, it’s a time to pause and think about people like Athena Zhe, who bring their hopes, their dreams and, sometimes, their paintbrushes to their new home.
“She may be almost 5,000 miles away from her native Ukraine,” said Mayor Michael Melham, “but she has made Belleville her home. Her artwork has added a burst of color and beauty to the township.”
In addition to the “Belleville Strong” sign, Zhe has also used her pallet to beautify an everyday traffic control box on the corner of Jerolaman Street and Franklin Avenue.
The box is now covered with Belleville’s trademark cherry blossoms against a soft green backdrop.
Photo credit: Belleville Township - Athena Zhe says she draws inspiration from Belleville's beautiful cherry blossoms.