The concluding event of the Steering Committee for celebration of the tenth anniversary of the national liberation struggle of Karabakh–an art exhibit and sale sponsored by Asbarez Daily Newspaper and the Regional Executive of the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society–was held on Thursday and Friday–at the Glendale Armenian Center. The Thursday evening opening of the exhibit-sale attracted more than 500 guests.
Opening remarks were delivered by Asbarez Editor-in-Chief John Kossakian–who introduced Art Exhibit Committee members Vladimir Adanian–John Kossakian–Edward Jouharian–Garen Gharibian–Tom Der Hovsepian–Rita Demirdjian–Hovig Khachadourian and Vahram Hadjian.
Kossakian praised the large crowd gathered for their support of Karabakh’s Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs. He expressed hope that a similar exhibit-sale would be held to mark the 80th anniversary of the May 28 Armenian Independence Day.
The exhibit featured works from nearly 70 artists. Proceeds from sales will be equally divided between the artist and the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs. Items priced higher than $1000 were auctioned. A booklet featured the biographies of the participating artists.
Art Exhibit Committee member Vladimir Adanian expressed his gratitude to the artists and the sponsoring organizations. He hoped that future such events would be as successful as this exhibit–garnering great support from the community for a worthy cause.
Professor Vahakn Mkrtchian praised the timeliness of the event and the strong patriotism displayed by its sponsors–organizers and participants.
"This exhibit will not only provide financial assistance to Karabakh but also moral support," he said. He also praised the beauty of the stylistically diverse representation of art and the high number of participating artists. He acknowledged the high number of participants from the Yerevan Institute of Fine Art and Theater–and felt honored that his students were lending support to Karabakh.
