Finding Light Again: The artists behind the COG’s holiday glow

In December, the twinkling Christmas lights and holiday decorations that adorned the walls of the John J. Hemmingson Center were above and beyond what they had been in past years. It was a purposeful move to spread a little extra cheer, says Megan Hawley, manager of the GU Event Service Team, and one that included hand-painted art across the windows of the COG.

While many admired the detailed artwork, few know the stories behind the hands that helped create them – stories marked by loss, resilience and the rebuilding of a home away from home.

Zag Dining employees Iryna Liutova, Valerii Pylypak and Alina Nerlo all came to Spokane as Ukrainian refugees in the years after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Creativity and community have become pathways forward.

Liutova’s is a server with Zag Dining – but volunteers any chance she gets to work on more creative projects. She says particularly likes to create visual atmospheres with decor, details and installations to make University spaces feel warm, intentional and alive.

“For me, it is important that people feel comfort and care when they are here,” she says.

Art has been a lifelong passion for Liutova. She attended art school in Ukraine and later spent more than 14 years as a professional photographer. Now, she sees her creative work at Gonzaga as an opportunity to continue doing what she loves.

“The forms and materials may change, but the essence remains the same,” she says. “To create atmosphere, convey emotion, and make a space feel alive.”

Liutova was heavily involved in this year’s Christmas installation – from conceptualizing the design to selecting the materials and adding the final details.

“When you are fully present in the process,” she says, “the work becomes alive.”

Liutova came to Spokane through the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program after her hometown of Mariupol was destroyed during the early days of Russia’s invasion. The city is now under occupation, and the Russo-Ukraine War has since become the largest and deadliest since World War II.

Language barriers, feelings of uncertainty and all the stressors that come with rebuilding a life from ground up took their toll. But over time, through her work and the community she’s found here, Liutova says she’s begun to feel confident in her place in the world once again.

Today, she finds joy in stability and simple moments – walks, nature, sunlight and time with family. And through it all photography and creativity have remained a vital form of expression, “through the lens, I reconnect with light emotion and the world around me.”

“I am deeply grateful to the people and the community who supported us,” she says. “Even after the most difficult events, it is possible to find light again.”

That sense of gratitude is echoed by Valerii Pylypak, whose role within Zag Dining focuses on supporting the lead chefs within the COG and ensuring students are served quality meals on time.

“My favorite part of the job is making pizza,” he says. “Seeing how students enjoy eating it, seeing the smile on their faces.”

For Pylypak, the work carries personal meaning. He takes pride in sharing his efforts with his son, who is proud of his father’s dedication – both to his job and to art, another lifelong passion.

His mother first taught him to appreciate art. It led him to study the subject in school and continue to push his skills into adulthood, driven by a love for creating beauty in simple things. When his manager at Zag Dining learned of his passion and artistic eye, Pylypak knew he had found another outlet for his creativity.

Pylypak and his family arrived in Spokane with only two suitcases, seeking reunification with his younger brother who had already moved to the area. They were provided with a hotel room and access to a car through a friend. Now, what brings him joy is a sense of stability — having a place to live, work and belong.

“A favorite job. A good team. Attentive managers,” he says. “Seeing that everything is well with my children.”

The youngest of the three, Alina Nerlo has lived in Spokane for a little less than two years. She describes the Zag Dining team as supportive and welcoming.

“For me, this is what it means to be part of society,” she says. “Through this work I’ve met many good people who helped me and continue to help.”

When she was asked to help create the artwork outside the COG, she immediately agreed. Just like Pylypak and Liutova, art was a familiar comfort for Nerlo having done similar work in Ukraine.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” she says.

Nerlo also came to the U.S. under the U4U program, though she made the journey alone, something she says was incredibly hard but worthwhile.

“There were many difficulties,” she confesses, but adds smiling, “Those are the things that make us stronger, right?”

Outside of work, Nerlo says she’s just like anyone else her age – she likes singing karaoke, playing guitar and ukelele and even hopes to learn the piano someday.

Together, Liutova, Pylypak and Nerlo plan to keep creating installations for the University to enjoy. So, check out the floor-to-ceiling windows that border the COG every once in a while – you might get to see a unique display of community and resilience, and some amazing art, too.