LOS ANGELES—Armenia’s Independence is a day of celebration for Armenians everywhere—including Yerevan’s sister city, Los Angeles. The Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia hosted two prominent events in observance of Armenia’s 19th anniversary of Independence at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) and Egyptian Theatre.
Every country has certain distinctive characteristics which makes it stand apart on the world map. These characteristics include the heritage, culture, arts and traditions which serve as a true representation of its people. The closing evening of the Arshile Gorky exhibit at MOCA and the Opening Night of the ARPA Film Festival at the Egyptian Theatre presented the best opportunity for Armenia to celebrate and boost its culture, heritage and art.
“Armenia is a world gem—known for its culture, legendary warmth and extraordinary variety,” said Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian. “Our country has a personality that attests to what it has seen since the 8th century B.C.—from growth to defeat to survival to Independence.”
On the eve of Independence Day, hundreds of distinguished guests including elected officials, government representatives, art gallery owners, museum curators and a deluge of art connoisseurs were invited to mark the success of the Arshile Gorky exhibit at MOCA and celebrate the perseverance of Armenia. Present were California Senator Carol Liu, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, MOCA representatives and officials from the City of Los Angeles and the City of Glendale.
“It was a night of many extraordinary celebrations” said Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian, Master of Ceremonies. “The exhibit allowed the Armenian community to synergize with MOCA and leverage our resources to further enhance the community’s passion for art, history and culture. Twist of fate or happenstance, this success seemed even grander as it coincided with the 19th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.”
The program included a keynote address and a Certificate of Recognition to MOCA by Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian, remarks by MOCA’s Director Jeffrey Deitch and an exclusive multi-media projection presentation. Proclamations were presented from several government offices including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
On Tuesday, September 21st, under the Consulate’s sponsorship and support, the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art marked the 19th anniversary with red carpet standards and style. The evening also served as the opening night of ARPA’s week-long film festival.
In attendance were a number of high ranking elected officials, including California Senator Carol Lui, Assemblyman Mike Feuer and Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom Le Bonge. Congratulatory addresses and proclamations were presented on behalf of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles County Supervisors, Assembly Member Mike Gatto and Assembly Member Kevin De Leon.
Present were Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Rev. Father Armenag Bedrossian, Pastor assistant, Armenian Catholic Church, ARPA chairperson Sylvia Minassian and leaders of all Armenian organizations.
