ATP News

ALMA and ATP to Present ‘A Photographic Journey of Armenia’s Natural Treasures’

"Gogy Lake" by Alexander Malkhasyan

WATERTOWN, MA—On September 11, 2008 the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) and Armenia Tree Project (ATP) will debut their joint, juried exhibition “A Photographic Journey of Armenia’s Natural Treasures” in ALMA’s Contemporary Art Gallery. The exhibition features a series of photographs ranging from majestic nature scenes to images that document some of Armenia’s environmental problems. The photographs will be offered for sale with 40 percent of the proceeds benefiting ALMA and ATP.

When the idea for this joint collaboration first arose, the organizers aimed to create a wide-ranging exhibition that not only showed visitors Armenia’s stunning sights, but also raised awareness about the serious threats to the country’s ecological heritage. After a well-received call for submissions this past spring, honorary juror Judy Ann Goldman, owner of the Judy Ann Goldman Fine Art gallery on Boston’s Newbury Street, helped the ALMA and ATP jurors with the judging process.

"Yerevan Under Construction" by Jirair Hovsepian

Using an anonymous screening process, the jurors narrowed down 600 entries to 93 photographs from professional and amateur photographers from six countries.

The following 35 photographers were chosen to participate in the exhibition: Vahan Abrahamyan (Armenia), Chris Agazaryan (California), Rich Bartell (China), Hapet Berberian (Massachusetts), Levon Berberian (New York), Eli Burak (Vermont), Aram Comjean (Massachusetts), Ireneusz Cyranek (Denmark), Joseph Dagdigian (Massachusetts), Julie Dermansky (New Jersey), Ani Garibyan (California), Avetis Ghazanchyan (Armenia), Karen Harutyunyan (Armenia), Sarah Hayes (Massachusetts), Jirair Hovsepian (Massachusetts), Kathryn Howard (New York), Armen Iskandaryan (Armenia), Matthew Karanian (California), Philip Ketchian (Massachusetts), Hrair “Hawk” Khatcherian (Canada), Robert Kurkjian (California), Ara Kahrmanian (Australia), Alexander Malkhasyan (Armenia), Jeff Masarjian (Massachusetts), Ara Meshkanbarian (California), Sossy Nercessian (Massachusetts), Rita Papagian (New Jersey), Astghine Pasoyan (Armenia), Vahe Peroomian (California), Elsa Ronningstam-Ketchian (Massachusetts), Hakob Sanasaryan (Armenia), Kara Setian-Marston (Maryland), Anush Seyranyan (Armenia), Paul Vartan Sookiasian (Pennsylvania), and Mikhayil Voskanov (Armenia).

"House Warming" by Avetis Ghazanchyan

“A Photographic Journey” runs through October 11, 2008. The exhibition was made possible by Wainwright Bank and Trust Co. and Staples Copy & Print Shop in Watertown, with the support of Hagop Picture Frame and Design; Watertown Savings Bank; Michals Insurance Agency, Inc.; Paul Neeson and Deland, Gibson Insurance Associates, Inc.; and Eastern Lahmejun Bakers, Inc. A weekly series of events will accompany the exhibition to highlight its theme and give the public additional opportunities to learn about Armenia’s environment from leading environmental activists.

ALMA’s Contemporary Art Gallery is open Thursday 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and by appointment. To make an appointment, call the ALMA offices at (617) 926-2562.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS RELATED TO ‘A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF ARMENIA’S NATURAL TREASURES’:

Thursday, September 11 – Exhibition opens

Saturday, September 13 – Private opening reception (by invitation only)

Monday, September 15 at 7 p.m. – Presentation by Greens Union President Hakob Sanasaryan: “At the Crossroads of Development: The Present Situation of the Armenian Environment”

Thursday, September 25 at 7 p.m. – Presentation by ATP Executive Director Jeff Masarjian: “The Dangers Facing Armenia’s Natural Treasures: Current Risks and Opportunities”

Saturday, October 11 at 7 p.m. – Classical Concert with pianist Karine Bagdasarian to mark close of the exhibition.

All events will take place in ALMA’s Contemporary Art Gallery, which is handicap accessible.

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