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In celebration of World Refugee Day (June 20th), we are highlighting the work of three local artists from refugee communities in Washington.

For the past 15 years we've partnered with local artists from refugee communities to produce an art show to recognize the work of refugee artists and mark World Refugee Day. While we are not physically hosting an art event in a gallery this year, the works of these artists still bring us joy (even through a computer screen). Join us in appreciating and supporting the artwork of Pietro Frediani, Ermias Tsadik, and Zrinka Jurcevic.  

Pietro Frediani

Pietro is from Asmara, Eritrea. He arrived in the U.S. in 2011 from a refugee camp in Ethiopia, where he lived for four years. As a child, Pietro exhibited an interest in and skill for art. His parents motivated and encouraged his talents, and supported him by buying art supplies. In his teens, he attended art school in Asmara, receiving his diploma in 1998. He joined the Eritrean army upon graduation and his talents were quickly recognized. Hired as an artist by the Minister of Defense, he continued this work through 2007 when he fled to Ethiopia. Six months after arriving at Shimelba refugee camp, Pietro began lending his talents to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ abroad. He helped design posters and shirts, and taught young artists in the refugee camp while he was there. This work continued through 2011 when he was resettled to Washington State. 

If you're intersted in purchasing works by Pietro, please inquire here. 

The Happiest Farmer by Pietro Frediani

Photo: Pietro Frediani/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle

Asmara Cathedral, Eritrea by Pietro Frediani

Photo: Pietro Frediani/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle

How do we read the world by Pietro Frediani

Photo: Pietro Frediani/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle

Ermias Tsadik

Ermias graduated from Asmara School of Fine Art in 2000, where he studied painting, sculpture, and print making. He participated in his first art exhibitions while in school, and since earning his degree, he’s participated in several solo and group exhibitions in Eritrea and South Africa, where he moved in 2007, including an exhibition at the Nelson Mandela Art Museum. He has described his work as an exploration of the relationship between human and nature, especially the construction of identity and the self. Ermias resettled in the U.S. in 2011 and has contributed artwork to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s World Refugee Day exhibit multiple years.

If you're intersted in viewing more paintings or purchasing any works of art from Ermias, please reach out to us ([email protected]) and we will connect you directly. 

Photo: Ermias Tsadik/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle

Photo: Ermias Tsadik/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle

Zrinka Jurcevic

Born in Sarajevo in 1979, Zrinka S. Jurcevic came to Seattle in 1997. She is a contemporary artist who currently lives and works in Gig Harbor, WA. Zrinka studied Design at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2007. Zrinka has been working across media and disciplines but her current series of fluid paintings portrays life on a microscopic level. Her artwork is inspired by her experience with IVF and the joy of motherhood. Her work conveys energy and emotion onto the canvas, manifested as an explosion of colors. The energy that flows in and through her while creating can later be absorbed and revived by the spectator, in a place beyond the visual sense. Zrinka considers her work highly therapeutic, and works across a variety of mediums and Disciplines. Her featured work is inspired by her practice of meditation through Mala beads, where she channels peace and love. 

If you're intersted in seeing more beautiful pieces or purchasing one of Zrinka's works, please visit her .

Chakra Mala by Zrinka Jurcevic

Photo: Zrinka Jurcevic/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle

Spirit Mala by Zrinka Jurcevic

Photo: Zrinka Jurcevic/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Seattle