July 26, 2024
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IVCC to host Syrian art exhibit

‘Stamps of Hope’ on display from March 27 to April 14

By Shaw Local News Network
Illinois Valley Community College will be hosting an art exhibit by Syrian Refugee Artisan titled, “Stamps of Hope,” from March 27 to April 14 in room CTC 124. The exhibit will be open to the public each day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour.

Work done by one of the refugee artists living in the Zaa’tari Refugee Camp. Illinois Valley Community College will be hosting an art exhibit by Syrian Refugee Artisan titled, “Stamps of Hope,” from March 27 to April 14 in room CTC 124. The exhibit will be open to the public each day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour. (Image provided by Fran Brolley)

Illinois Valley Community College will be hosting an art exhibit by Syrian Refugee Artisan titled “Stamps of Hope” from March 27 to April 14 in room CTC 124. The exhibit will be open to the public each day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour.

At noon and 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, Rihab Sawah will present in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre on the war, the artists and their art. Sparkling grape juice and light hors d’oeuvres will be served in the evening.

Sawah, assistant professor at Lincoln Land Community College, has been bridging the artwork to the U.S. from Jordan. She said the paintings and drawings capture the hopes and dreams of those displaced by the Syrian war that began in 2011.

Some of the artists used pieces of canvas cut from tent fabric for their work, while others used materials such as newspapers and cardboard. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights and International Relief and Development Organization noticed the art and began to provide professional art materials.

The exhibit and presentation are free and open to the public. All art is for sale, with prices ranging from $25 to $250. All proceeds go directly to the artists.

The ongoing traveling exhibit is sponsored by the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education. Call Amanda Cook Fesperman at 815-224-0203 for more information or to buy art.