It was a wonderful opportunity to have a solo exhibition of my art collection at Alif Institute, give an artist talk, and meet the wonderful Arab community in Atlanta. Alif Institute is a nonprofit Arab cultural center fostering the appreciation & understanding of Arab cultures. It was established in 2004 by the Arab-American Fund of Georgia.

Showcasing my artwork at the Arab Conference at Harvard University was a memorable experience.  Several of my art pieces were selected and highlighted in the art gallery of the conference. In addition, I had a booth and sold art prints. The Arab Conference at Harvard is the largest annual pan-Arab conference in North America.

It was my pleasure to exhibit my art collection at the Museum of the Palestinian People in Washington DC. The Museum of the Palestinian People is the first museum in Washington DC devoted to exploring and celebrating Palestinian history, arts, and culture. It started in 2015 as a traveling exhibit, visiting over 50 locations across the country. The museum shares Palestinian stories through historic artifacts, personal narratives, and artistic expression to transcend separation, fragmentation, and boundaries. Their mission is to connect Palestinians in the US, Palestine, and the diaspora with each other to evoke pride and dignity and to impart this to future generations.

It was a pleasure to take part in the 21st Annual Chicago Palestine Film Festival at the Gene Siskel Film Center, located in the heart of the city. The Art Show was part of the opening and closing nights, and it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with filmmakers, organizers, and community members. Since I was the featured artist on both nights, I showcased and talked about my recent work, and it was an opportunity for people to see it in person and purchase prints.

ABOUT

“The Chicago Palestine Film Festival (CPFF) is an independent organization based in Chicago that exhibits and promotes films by Palestinian directors and films about Palestine. CPFF is dedicated to presenting a film festival that is open, critical, and reflective of the culture, experience, and vision of the filmmakers.

Founded in 2001, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival is the world’s longest consecutive running festival of its kind. To date, CPFF has screened well over 250 independent films in Chicago.  Such films address various aspects of Palestinian society, art, culture, and humanity.  The majority of these films have served as foundations for further discussion on socio-cultural norms in Palestinian communities here and abroad. By using film in this sense, each producer and director is given the space to directly address various political, economic, linguistic, and social challenges they face to a large audience.  This outlet fosters a vast dissemination of information whereby the experiences of these communities are able to transcend ambiguous national boundaries and be shared by audience members in Chicago.” CPFF

It was an honor to showcase my work at The Arab American National Museum from November 2019, until March 1st of 2020. The Exhibition highlighted forty drawings from “The Art of Weeping” collection. I am grateful for a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Arab American community in Dearborn which I now consider a second home.

“The Arab American National Museum is the first museum in the world devoted to Arab American history and culture. Arab Americans have enriched the economic, political and cultural landscape of American life. By bringing the voices and faces of Arab Americans to mainstream audiences, we continue our commitment to dispel misconceptions about Arab Americans and other minorities. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.” AANM.