Six encuastic panels representing Nehnu al-Amal/We Are the Hope
Artwork from Spring 2009 workshops, Encaustic and Arabic Calligraphy with Tremain Smith, are on display in the Walnut Street West Library’s Conference Room from January 5 through March.
Inspired by Barack Obama’s message of hope and change, middle-school participants chose to create a collective piece that says “We Are the Hope,” or “Nahnu Al-Amal” in Arabic. Each student integrated Arabic words into their mixed media panels.
Also featured in the exhibit are two Arabic alphabet quilts made by students at Al-Bustan Camp in 2009 and 2008.
Exhibit of individual encaustic panels at Library
While the exhibit is on display at the Library, Al-Bustan is offering educational activities to families and school children in the Conference Room: mark your calendars for Arabic Storytime on Tuesday, January 19, 6 pm, and an after-school Arabic Name-Writing Workshop on Friday, January 29, 3:30 pm. If you can’t make it to these events, but you would like to see the beautiful artwork, just drop by the Library to admire the art!
Special Offer for Educators
Al-Bustan staff members are available to lead special Arabic language activities at the library: students learn the basics of Arabic writing and get a chance to write their names using the Arabic alphabet. We invite you to call Kevin (267-809-3668) or contact us to arrange a time for a workshop at the Library.
In January, two presentations were held for students from Lea School and Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania:
