VCFA’s Natalia Ilyin: Changing the World, One Scarf at a Time

Like to see your holiday purchases do a little good in the world? Look no further than the SisterScarf Fund, co-founded by VCFA's MFA in Graphic Design faculty member Natalia Ilyin.

SisterScarf sells silk scarves and bags made in Thailand, and uses the profits to provide micro-loans to Burmese refugees living along the Thai border. Over the last nine years, SisterScarf loans have enabled members of the refugee community to provide housing for orphans, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, clean water, educational scholarships, and even training in accounting to run small businesses.

Based in Seattle, SisterScarf sells its products mostly at home parties. If you don’t live in the Seattle area and are interested in buying a SisterScarf product, just visit their blog and drop Natalia a line. She’s one of many in the VCFA community looking to make the world a better place.

Points of View

Shaw Osha
MFAV Alumnus

"This program has directed my practice profoundly. It has added a conceptual approach, expanded my possibilities beyond the material and integrated research into my practice."