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PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Emil Kazaz Celebrated at AGBU Reception
On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the Armenian community gathered to attend
a tribute event dedicated to world-renowned sculptor and painter, Emil
Kazaz. The event was held at the AGBU’s Alex Manoogian Center in
Pasadena. The AGBU Kazaz Tribute, along with a three-day exhibition
event that took place from November 6 – 8, was organized by the AGBU
Southern California District Committee. More than 1,500 people attended
the exhibition and the tribute, coming from near and far to view the
artist’s work and meet him.
The AGBU Kazaz Tribute Committee was headed by Haig Messerlian and was
vice-chaired by Ani Aivazian. Other committee members who worked
tirelessly to put the successful tribute together included Ara
Arzumanian, Ara Babayan, Sonia Babayan, Ani Babian, Nairie Balian, Houry
Boghossian, Eada Bourian, Ani Boyadjian, Benjamin Charchian, Vahe
Imasdounian, Maral Ghazarian, Ivan Kesian, Aleen Khanjian, Vartouhy
Kojayan, Yeva Manucharyan, Avedis Markarian, Maral Moukhtarian, Nazareth
Moukhtarian, Silva Nazaretian, Siran Oknayan, Krikor Satamian, Shaghig
Sepetjian, Garine Seuylemezian, Cynthia Simonian, Tamar Sinanian, Maida
Tchaprazian, Shake Toumayan, and Aline Yeterian. Cooperation for the
exhibition was provided by Monet Airian, Director of the Airian Dome of
Fine Art, who represents Emil Kazaz worldwide.
Many distinguished guests attended Saturday evening’s tribute event,
including Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; California State Assembly member
Paul Krekorian; nationally known artist, author, educator, and newly
appointed Dean of the Art Department at the University of California
Irvine, Joe Lewis; internationally known art historian and director of
the Arshile Gorky Museum in Etchmiadzin, Shahen Khachatryan, renowned
concert pianist Vatche Mankerian; operatic tenor Bakur Kalantaryan; and
representatives from the Armenian media and leaders of the community.
Committee chairman Haig Messerlian served as the Master of Ceremonies.
In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of cultural figures
such as Emil Kazaz, who inspire us by enriching and promoting the
culture of our nation for the entire world. Messerlian stated, "While we
recognize our cultural heroes who are no longer with us, as we should,
we also need to recognize and honor our heroes while they are alive and
actually weaving the thread of our culture, taking it to new heights –
men and women who make our culture a living one, the kind that doesn’t
just rely on the laurels of the past but makes itself grow and
flourish." He continued, "And it doesn’t matter in what style or
language; Aivazovsky painted seascapes, Saroyan expressed himself in
English, Aznavour sings in French, Kazaz sculpts and paints in his own
unique style. What matters are the quality, universality and harmonious
beauty of the words, the music, the shapes and the colors."
The event featured remarks by the special guests. Joe Lewis presented a
brief background of the honored guest and an analogy of his work and
style. Archbishop Derderian offered his remarks, and relayed the
blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
inviting the distinguished guest to the podium to receive the highly
coveted St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Medal. Art historian Shahen Khachtryan
also spoke, reflecting on the significance of the evening. "Emil Kazaz
has earned the prestigious Lorenzo Medici Medal in 2003 from the
Florence Biennale and the Grande Lorenzo Il Magnifico (Medici) Prize in
sculpture in 2007. His artistic achievement is a source of national
pride. I am privileged and pleased to join you this evening and express
a heartfelt thanks to AGBU for organizing this wonderful event."
Along with the speeches, the attendees enjoyed musical entertainment by
pianist Vatche Mankerian, who performed several selected musical pieces
by Chaconne, Bach, and Busoni, Operatic tenor Kalantarian, who is
greatly admired by Kazaz, also performed a number of songs. On behalf of
AGBU President Berge Setrakian, Sinan Sinanian, a member of the AGBU
Central Board of Directors, and Berj Shahbazian, Chairman of the AGBU
Southern California District Committee, provided the highlight of the
evening when they presented Kazaz with the AGBU President’s Award,
followed by the SCDC Award, honoring his outstanding talent, lifetime
cultural and artistic achievements and contribution to Armenian and
international culture. The exhibit and tribute successfully reflected
AGBU’s goal of promoting and preserving the Armenian heritage and
culture through the arts.
With chapters in Glendale, Pasadena, Orange County, San Diego and San
Fernando, AGBU SCDC () oversees a host of cultural, youth
and educational programs in Southern California that include the
Generation Next Mentorship Program, the Ardavazt Theater Group,
Sardarabad Dance Ensemble, the Hye Geen movement, Asbeds, Young
Professionals (Orange County & Los Angeles), scouts, athletic teams, and
a local Ladies’ Committee. SCDC carries on AGBU’s mission and maintains
a prominent role in one of the largest and most vibrant Armenian
communities in the world. Southern California is also home to two of
AGBU’s leading day schools, the Manoogian-Demirdjian School (MDS) in
Canoga Park and the AGBU Pasadena High School, which is the first new
day school to have been established in the Armenian diaspora during the
last decade.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.