Celebrating Stories of Immigration Through Art

Celebrating Stories of Immigration Through Art 

Settling Tables is an annual visual arts project presented by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and led by Colombian artist Alfonso Pérez Acosta. The project honors immigrants across Virginia, highlighting their journeys and contributions through intimate interviews and striking portraits. Each year, these portraits are unveiled to kick off Immigrant Heritage Month, accompanied by performances curated by Guatemalan-born artist MusiqReiV. In its first two years, Settling Tables spotlighted immigrants from countries including Vietnam, Egypt, Puerto Rico, Palestine, Colombia, India, Mexico, Ethiopia, and the Philippines—many of whom have enriched Virginia through their work in food, community building, and cultural connection. This year’s theme, inspired by the VMHC exhibition Give Me Liberty: Virginia and the Forging of a Nation, focuses on the impact of both iconic and everyday people shaping our communities. 
This year, three honorees were featured in a powerful collage arranged on a dining table—each representing resilience, leadership, and service within Virginia’s immigrant communities. Elham Khairi, originally from Sudan, is a servant leader, certified facilitator, and nonviolence practitioner with over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution, multinational violence prevention, restorative circles, and interpretation for vulnerable populations. She currently serves as a Senior Community Worker with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and has partnered with ReEstablish Richmond on numerous initiatives. The second honoree, Oscar Contreras, originally from Guatemala works with Radio Poder 1380. As a beloved Spanish-language radio personality, Oscar plays a vital role in helping the Latino immigrant community navigate life in the Commonwealth through information, advocacy, and connection. Finally, we are especially proud that the third honoree was our very own Director of Client Engagement, Helen Rai—whose story and work reflect the heart of our mission at ReEstablish Richmond. 
Helen shared her powerful story of immigrating from Nepal, where she witnessed stark divisions between social classes and persecution of non-Hindu communities. When her family moved to the United States, she quickly saw that similar inequalities existed here too. They struggled with limited access to essential resources that would help them integrate and thrive. It wasn’t until her mother stepped forward—advocating tirelessly and forging critical connections in the community—that they began to receive the support they needed. Helen also highlighted an often-overlooked truth: many newcomers who arrive outside of the refugee resettlement system have virtually no support at all. Her own experiences drive her passion and dedication at ReEstablish Richmond. “I did better because there were people who saw my potential and pushed me further,” Helen shared. “That is what really pushes me to do the work I’m doing at ReEstablish Richmond. We want people to recognize that they have the power to do for themselves, and we want to be there to provide the information and resources so they can thrive—whatever that life may look like for them.” 

Want to learn more about the rich and diverse stories of immigrants in our region? 

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture will soon open a new exhibit highlighting the journeys, contributions, and impact of immigrant communities in Richmond. Through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, the exhibit will celebrate and honor the many ways immigrants have helped shape the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our city. We hope you’ll visit and experience this powerful tribute to the people who continue to make Richmond a vibrant and welcoming place for all.