On Friday November 27, 2015, the glass hall of the Jal El Dib Public Park hosted the opening ceremony of the Armenian Embroidery Exhibition organized by the Artisan Committee of the ARCL. The event was held under the patronage of the ARCL Regional Executive and was presided by Ms. Mari Sassouni.
The aim of this event was to introduce the reproductions of Armenian embroidery secrets and delicacies to the public.
ARCL Artisan Committee chair Sosse Boyadjian delivered the welcoming speech. She stressed upon the fact that the Armenian people, who have survived the Genocide 100 years ago, have resurrected and continue to live on thanks to their cultural policy. Thus, the centennial of the Genocide wasn’t a sad commemoration but an opportunity to let the whole world hear the echo of our demands.
She remarked the significance and importance of needlework and fine embroidery in cultural values, especially those that are notable to Armenians and distinguish Armenian embroidery from others. She specially mentioned the colors and shapes of West Armenian embroidery, which are being introduced and thus transmitted to future generations through these pieces. She added that these values continue to live in our awareness; that is why the ARCL who is well aware of this fact protects these values and organizes such events to introduce them to the public with a modern spirit.
Prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon Bishop Shahe Panossian conveyed his message as well. He reflected upon the bitter reality that our daily life is full of unpleasant imagery and devious phenomena, and yet it is heartwarming to see that the initiative to create beauty still exists. There still exists also the determination and effort to sweeten and enrich our lives by recalling the values of the past.
He highly appreciated the efforts of the ARCL in this area especially since they continue this mission year after year developing and prospering each year.
He ended his word wishing that the Armenian embroidery and the masterpieces displayed during the exhibition would win in the hearts of everyone. He added that these works have always received great appreciation form foreigners.
He wished the ARCL would continue their mission with more energy and infinite motivation.
Madeline Haddad, from the municipality of Jal El Dib, highly appreciated the mission and activities devoted for the preservation of beauty and values. She added that thanks to such activities initiated by organizations such as the ARCL, we are filled with the strength to continue to strive for the beautiful and the best. We gain the will to bypass all kinds of obstacles, and to prove that the Lebanese, and specially the Lebanese Armenians, are children of life, and that they have managed to tread upon death and live on.
The exhibition continued each day from 10 am until 7 pm and closed its doors on the evening of Friday December 4, 2015.
