Opening Saturday, February 11th, 11am-1pm, Free and open to the public.
LYNN, Mass.—Join us for the opening of our newest exhibit “Heartstrings: Embracing Armenian Needlelace, Embroidery, and Rugs,” which will feature intricate needlework inspired by the stories of Armenian-Americans who have persevered through challenging times, forging exquisite creations born in both triumph and tragedy.
In 1915, the death of 1.5 million people during the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Turks drastically affected the Armenian community. In addition to the loss of life, a cultural Genocide resulted from losing important traditions practiced by the Armenian people for centuries. Properties, churches and schools were confiscated; many beautiful works of art were destroyed; embroidered religious garments, altar clothes, embellished altar curtains, Armenian rug, silk, cotton and wool factories were forever lost.
Fortunately, members of the Armenian American community saved some of the needle work and embroidery of their grandmothers and great grandmothers. These creations were either brought with them when they immigrated to America in the early 1900s or were created once they resettled in the U.S. This exhibit shows examples of the beautiful lace, embroidery and carpets that were saved and that we can still admire today!
The exhibit is curated by noted local artist Kate Luchini, who served as Executive Director of the Lynn Museum from 2010-2014, and features items from the personal collections of several leaders in the local Armenian-American community including Mary Mooradian of Haverhill, Raffi Manjikian of Belmont, and Marie Bazarian of Watertown.
“Heartstrings” will be on display through Saturday, June 17th, from 10AM-4PM Tuesday-Friday and 9AM-1PM Saturday, at the Lynn Museum, 590 Washington Street, in the heart of downtown Lynn, Massachusetts.
For more information on this and other exciting Lynn Museum events, please call 781-581-6200 or visit lynnmuseum.org.
About Lynn Museum & LynnArts
In the heart of Lynn’s Arts & Cultural District, the Lynn Museum was founded in 1897 to collect, preserve and illuminate the city’s remarkable history. The museum has evolved into a vibrant cultural center, expanding its footprint to include the LynnArts building at 25 Exchange Street. The Lynn Museum offers changing exhibitions and innovative youth and adults programs which engage and enrich Lynn’s diverse community. The Lynn Museum encourages active participation in exploring the city’s past while shaping a vision for its future.
I was wondering if you have any information on a silver belt worn by my grandmother fleeing the Armenian genocide. It’s all hand tooled and as far as I know it’s been handed down as an heirloom. It is been said to be ancient. I have pictures I’d like to share with you. Please respond if you have any information and I enjoyed the exhibit and this belt could be part of the heartstrings show. Thankyou
Susan mekalian