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West Salem artist creates shareable painting in support of Ukraine

(Courtesy/Jo Ann Leadingham)

Watching in horror as Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February, Jo Ann Leadingham took to canvas.

She wanted to make something residents could put on the windows of their homes or cars, showing members of the Ukrainian community who pass by that they have support in Salem.

Leadingham, an artist and retired realtor living in west Salem, used acrylic to paint a sunflower (Ukraine’s national flower) and a rose (the U.S. national flower).

“Cherish democracy” is written in between the flowers. “We’re damn lucky we have it,” she said. “Cherish it. Be glad we have it. Don’t lose it.”

She said the image is free to print and place anywhere, though it is copyrighted and can’t be sold.

“I might as well use my art for kindness,” she said. “I don’t need to make the money off of it, but I’d like to share it.”

-Ardeshir Tabrizian