New Mural in Providence Honors Ukrainian Refugee

In a turn of events following pressure from left-wing activists, the mural dedicated to Irina Zalutka, a murdered Ukrainian refugee, was initially canceled at its original location in downtown Providence. The backlash came after criticism directed towards The Dark Lady, an LGBT bar that had planned to showcase it.

Now, the mural is seeing new life at Opa the Phoenician, a Lebanese restaurant situated in the historic Federal Hill area of Providence. Artist Ian Gaudreau began painting the mural there recently.

Mayor Smiley was among those who voiced strong opposition to the mural, describing it as “divisive” and expressing that the funding of such projects doesn’t reflect the community’s values. He stated, “While the murder of the person depicted in this mural is a devastating tragedy, the misguided and isolating intent of funding murals like those across the country is divisive and does not represent Providence.” He encouraged support for local artists whose work fosters unity.

Francois Karam, co-owner of Opa, shared that the restaurant is immigrant-owned, and the mural serves to honor Zalutka’s story as an immigrant. He reflected, “I used to be an immigrant chasing the American dream. She tried to build her life, but lost it along the way. This mural is our way of honoring her on a building owned by an immigrant family who understands that journey.”

Gaudreau also empathized with Karam, noting that their shared immigrant backgrounds helped him connect deeply with the project.

Zalutka tragically lost her life on August 22 after being randomly attacked on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The assailant, DeCarlos Brown Jr., had a record that included various convictions.