Art Exhibit Celebrates Syrian Culture
In support of the local Rutland Syrian refugee efforts and celebration of Syrian culture, Castleton University will hosts “The Syrian Experience As Art,” a dual-gallery exhibit representing the work of twelve Syrian artists. With work featured in both the Castleton University Bank Gallery on Merchants Row in Rutland and Christina Price Gallery in Castleton, the show represents the expressions of each artists varied responses to the devastation of their country.
“In early July I wrote a letter to the U.S. State Department indicating our unwavering and enthusiastic support for the proposal to establish a new refugee resettlement program in Rutland,” said Castleton President Dave Wolk in his Fall 2016 Convocation speech, “We are very willing partners in welcoming new members to our Castleton family.”
The project came to fruition earlier this year after Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras reached out to the Castleton University Art Galleries with the idea of presenting an exhibit of work created by Syrian artists. Castleton plans to follow the gallery exhibition with a series of speakers, performers and other events throughout the academic year that will celebrate cultural connections and educate the community, while offering a warm, familiar welcome to new refugees.
The gallery show will run until November 5 in the Christine Price Gallery, while the Castleton University Bank Gallery exhibit will remain until January 2017.
Adding a personal aspect the shows, an artist reception will be held on Sunday, September 18 at 2 pm. Featured Syrian artist Khaled Youssef will be joining in on the event via Skype from Nice, France, where he will give visitors insight into the exhibit and hold a Q&A session.
“Throughout the process of putting this show together I think what we hoped to accomplish most was to share with people a side of Syrian life and culture that has not been given the attention it so richly deserves,” said Sarah Karczmarczyk, Director of the Castleton Art Galleries. “Art is one of the greatest forms of expression we are gifted in life, so what better way to help people understand the thoughts, emotions and struggles of another culture than to share their art.”