Category Archives: art
Cultural Identity, Repeated History
105 years ago, our ancestors were driven from their homelands by the order of the Turkish government. A well documented massacre that can be easily researched for those unfamiliar with this important and dark piece of Armenian history. In order … Continue reading
Harry Bedrossian: Euphoric Oud Ride
If you have ever met musician Harry Bedrossian I think one of the first things you would say about him is that he loves life, doesn’t take himself too seriously (as none of us should) and is an excellent musician. One … Continue reading
Armenian Liturgical Music performed on traditional instruments
Recently I received an email from a friend that shared a rare look and sound of Armenian liturgical music performed on traditional instruments. After posting on my personal Facebook page, the comments and views went through the roof. This is … Continue reading
A 10 Year Old Armenian Musical Prodigy
If I mentioned the name Kristine Engoyan most of you would not know who she is. She is a remarkable Armenian young girl that has mesmerized many of us that enjoy and perform Armenian music. She plays the kanun, the … Continue reading
Thoughts from Arts Midwest 2018
A few weeks ago I was given a great opportunity to travel Indianapolis for the annual Arts Midwest conference. Thanks to John Bracey, Executive Director (soon to be retiring – congrats again!) from Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) … Continue reading
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – Armenia
If you haven’t heard about the recent episode of Anthony Bourdain traveling to Armenia as part of his series Parts Unknown, you have most likely been living under a rock for the last month. I have to admit I have … Continue reading
TheOudPlayer Releases Album – nOUD
Antranig Kzirian has always loved music and so it was no surprise that he gravitated to the oud (Middle Eastern lute) as a young Armenian musician from Philadelphia. “The oud cast a spell over me from a young age. The … Continue reading
Kresge Artists in Detroit – 2017 Class
Always an exciting time of the year for me when the Kresge Artist Fellows are announced and I can look to see if a friend of mine has won. It is equally enjoyable for me to meet new Fellows and … Continue reading
Creative Class: Kathleen Pfeiffer
Kathleen Pfeiffer is an essayist, memoirist and literary critic living in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Kathy was raised in Trumbull, Connecticut. She earned her B.A. from Emmanuel College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University. Kathy taught writing at Yale … Continue reading
Creative Class: Heidi Kaloustian
Heidi Kaloustian is a writer who lives and works in Detroit. She has received numerous awards and honors for her writing, including a 2015 Schulze Fellowship for a debut novel, a 2012 Kresge Fellowship in the Literary Arts, and a … Continue reading