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During the past few years, the Armenian Rugs Society and our community have sadly suffered the loss of several of its beloved members--individuals who, in one way or another, played an active role in the Society.
Some parts of the community may not be aware of these sad milestones, thus we hope to, herein, share some background on these fine and dedicated individuals. One of the pillars of the Armenian Rugs Society, a person who was involved with the Society almost from the beginning, was Dr. Murray L. Eiland, Jr., who passed away recently at the age of seventy-nine. Although he worked professionally as a psychiatrist, Murray had a great love for rugs and textiles. He admired their beauty and their history, but, as a scientist, he also analyzed their structure and materials, educating himself and his audience as he learned. Throughout his life, he traveled to rug-making areas all over the world, wrote several books on oriental carpets, and became known as the most knowledgeable rug expert in the United States. In 1969, Murray and his brother Emmett opened a rug store in Berkeley, California. It was there that Lemyel Amirian, one of the founders of the Armenian Rugs Society, introduced Murray to Armenian carpets and textiles, leading him to become a life-long champion of the work of Armenian weavers. He joined the Armenian Rugs Society and became involved in the first major exhibition held by the organization, Weavers, Merchants and Kings, at the Kimbell Art Museum in Dallas, Texas, in 1984. Working alongside others from the organization and the museum, he selected the rugs to be displayed, edited the catalogue, contributed an important article to the catalogue, and lectured at the opening of the event--all tasks he repeated for the PASSAGES exhibition held in San Francisco in 2002. Until he became ill, he was always willing to participate in the Armenian Rugs Society in any way he could. We were honored to have Murray at our side; without him, the Armenian Rugs Society might not yet have earned the respect for Armenian rugs and textiles that we have seen in the years since the organization was founded. Another loss to the organization was the passing of Donna Mae Sommer, MD, wife of John Sommer, MD, at eighty-nine. Donna Mae was a respected pediatrician, having studied (and later taught and practiced) at the University of Chicago, where she met her husband-to-be. In 1955, she was part of a team of surgeons who successfully separated conjoined twins using a new procedure to divide their common liver. In 1966, she and the family moved to Fremont, California, where she and John both joined the Permanente Medical Group. Early in the twentieth century, John’s mother had been a missionary and medical worker in eastern Anatolia, where she came into contact with Armenian textiles and carpets; her interest in these art works was passed on to her son. He and Donna Mae traveled the world, studying and collecting carpets and other textiles as well as objects related to their production. John became very involved in the San Francisco Bay Area Rug Society (SFBARS), serving for several years as president of that organization, and later also joined the Armenian Rugs Society, where he was an advisor at the time of the PASSAGES exhibition and during the following years. Until she became ill, Donna Mae was always at his side. We miss her calm presence. We also lost Janet Karleen Hall, who joined the ARS at the time of the PASSAGES exhibition. She became a vital part of the Armenian Rugs Society board, helping with secretarial duties and also with the newsletter, as well as performing any task that was asked of her. She was an active member of the Tibetan Buddhist community in the bay area, even attending the Dalai Lama’s yearly retreats in France. Karleen was a good friend and a gentle, quiet person; her help was invaluable to the ARS. We shall miss her. It is also with great regret that we mark the passing of Ruth Stronach, during September of 2017, in Berkeley, California. Ruth married David Stronach, a good friend and supporter of the Armenian Rugs Society, in 1966, and a world renowned Archaeologist on Iranian, Urartian/Armenian, and Middle Eastern Archaeology. Herself an archaeologist, Ruth accompanied David into the field at Nush-i Jan and Shahr-i Qumis, and studied the pottery from both these sites. The Armenian Rugs Society extends its deepest condolences to the friends and families of all these fine individuals who gave of themselves for the benefit and enlightenment of their communities and fellow men and women. Their good graces shall always be remembered.
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As part of its new Community Outreach Program, the Armenian Rugs Society is proud to announce a variety of internship opportunities for college and university students, as well as others interested in public service within a vibrant and growing non-profit environment.
The Armenian Rugs Society has been dedicated to the identification, preservation, documentation, and dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the cultural contributions made by Armenian weavers and craftspeople to the rich and vibrant history of textile arts, since its founding as a non-profit in Washington D.C., in 1980. And, to this end, the Armenian Rugs Society, has sponsored and participated in countless exhibits, workshops, symposia, and lectures, both nationally and internationally, (most recently the Smithsonian Institute’s Folklife Festival) within public and private spaces, including universities and colleges, art galleries and museums, for the general public and collectors. Those interested in connecting with a passionate global community, learning about Armenian culture, the textile arts, exhibition and symposium organizing, curating, and event planning, as well as a slew of other activities and projects, are urged to apply. All interns will receive community service and volunteer experience with commensurate accreditation. Some positions may become paid part-time or full-time opportunities in due course. Please visit our website at armeniarugssociety.org to inquire and/or apply via our site’s CONTACT page or via our e-mail, info@armenianrugssociety.org, with the hashtag #internship in the comment section or subject line. We look forward to collaborating with you and a growing community of scholars, artists, collectors, and organizations passionate about the fascinating world of Armenian textile arts. Sincerely and with Warm Regards, Hratch Kozibeyokian President, Board of Directors The Armenian Rugs Society A whole new era for Armenia and Armenian Culture has clearly begun and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. And, that includes the new energy and sense of discovery that is sweeping over the Armenian woven and textile arts world...
From Yerevan to Los Angeles and from Shushi to San Francisco artisans, academics, aficionados, and arts activists of all stripes and hues are flocking to the creation and appreciation of Armenian textile arts with renewed interest, passion, and curiosity. The Armenian Rugs Society finds itself--very happily--still, at the forefront of this cultural renewal and activism, paving the way for a new generation of Armenian artisans and scholars to take their mantle into the future. And, in this regard, the Society continues to offer support to museums, academic institutions, and arts organizations in Armenia, Europe, and the US, by sponsoring exhibitions, workshops, symposia, and lectures, both in public and private venues, including this year’s monumental Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C. The Society not only nurtures the discovery and cultivation of Armenian woven culture among academics and enthusiasts alike, but continues supporting Armenian woven arts and its artisans world-wide through a number of programs including its Adopt-a-Loom initiative, that aim to engender support for indigenous traditions by building textile arts communities in Armenia and around the world. However, the Society has never worked alone and cannot work without your support, especially now. The Armenian Rugs Society is a non-profit organization founded in Washington D.C., in 1980, and, as such, depends on the donations of its members and generous donors in order to continue its dedicated mission to the identification, preservation, documentation, and dissemination of the cultural contributions made by Armenian weavers and craftspeople to the rich and vibrant history of global textile arts. Moreover, the Armenian Rugs Society needs your help to continue fostering a climate of inquiry, curiosity, and awareness among the next generation and society at large, regarding the world of Armenian woven arts, while preserving and nurturing a growing global awareness of Armenian rugs and sacred symbolism. Anyone sharing an interest in the amazing world of Armenian woven arts traditions and their myriad manifestations, both ancient and modern, is cordially invited to be a part of the Armenian Rugs Society. Individual annual memberships are $50.00 (US), annual family memberships (two adults sharing the same address) are $75.00 (US), and corporate annual memberships begin at $150.00 (US). Each new member will receive a letter of acknowledgment, an Armenian Rugs Society membership card, timely email receipt of our Newsletters, and access to Society activities, as well as a surprise gift from the Armenian Rugs Society. The Armenian Rugs Society seeks to provide its membership, and the community at large, with the most current, accurate, and incisive, information and findings regarding a global cultural tradition rich in its past and vibrant in its present growth. Armenian Rugs Society projects and initiatives continue to help in creating new scholarly standards and opening-up new areas of study both within the Armenian woven arts arena and historical scholarship, in general. Be a vibrant part of this noble effort and join with us to bring both new academic verve and healing creativity through this ancient art form to a modern world in dire need of its curative energy... Your membership dues and generous donations go a long way in helping to support all our activities... Please visit our website at armenianrugssociety.org and become a member via our easy to use MEMBERSHIP or CONTACT pages, or via our e-mail, info@armenianrugssociety.org, with the hashtag #membership in the comment section or subject line. Donations and membership fees may be made via check or money order to THE ARMENIAN RUGS SOCIETY P.O Box 21104 GLENDALE, CA 91201 or via our Pay Pal account links conveniently located on our MEMBERSHIP page, as well as throughout the site via our DONATE buttons. We look forward to collaborating with you and a growing community of scholars, artists, collectors, and organizations passionate about the fascinating world of Armenian textile arts. Sincerely and with Warm Regards, Hratch Kozibeyokian President, Board of Directors The Armenian Rugs Society All our wonderful colleagues from the Folk Arts Hub Foundation in Armenia, made an amazing impression on countless thousands of people attending the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC this summer with master carpet weavers, singers, ancient Armenian shadow play performers, and artisans of the highest order.
Our friends at the Folk Arts Hub Foundation also continue to work with the Armenian Rugs Society in realizing one of our most important projects in the Homeland--the "Adopt-a-Loom" Initiative throughout rural Armenia and many of its cities. In addition to Arakads, Karagert, and Sassounik, the Folk Arts Hub Foundation has added six more villages as part of the "Adopt-a-Loom" Initiative in Armenia, including: 1. Oshakan, in the Aragatsotn Region - 11 students and 2 teachers. 2. Hatsik, in the Armavir Region - 10 students and 3 teachers. 3. Ptghunk, in the Armavir Region - 13 students, 3 teachers, and 2 young girls from the nearby Light House Organization. 4. Meghradzor, in the Kotayk Region - 10 students and 1 teacher. 5. Voskevaz, in the Aragatsotn Region - 9 students and 2 teachers. 6. Ujan, in the Aragatsotn Region - It's the last location for this year and we're in the process of setting up - 16 students and 4 teachers. There are also a total of 69 eager participants (as of the end of 2017) excited to learn the ancient and noble rug weaving craft, thanks to the valuable support and generous donations from Armenian Rugs Society members in the US and the the Folk Arts Hub in Yerevan. We hope to triple the number of villages in 2018 and include border areas, as well. The Armenian Rugs Society is proud to announce it is now accepting applications for internship opportunities targeting high school, college, and university students, as well as others individuals interested in public service within a vibrant and growing non-profit organization.
Those interested in connecting with a passionate global community learning about Armenian culture, the textile arts, exhibition and symposium organizing, curating, and event planning, as well as a slew of other activities and projects, are urged to apply. All interns will receive commensurate community service and volunteer experience and accreditation. Some positions may become paid part-time or full-time opportunities in due course. Please inquire and/or apply via our website CONTACT page or via our e-mail info@armenianrugssociety.org with #internship in the comment section or subject line. Silk is the noblest of all natural fibers--it is delicate durable and shines like gold. No other woven textile equals it’s beauty.
The Silk Road caravans found their way to Armenia, as well, and Armenian merchants brought the secret of sericulture home. In Western Armenia (Ottoman Empire), as well as in present day Artsakh, the mulberry tree is abundant and, hence, local production of silk from cocoons thrived as well. During the Soviet Era, along with many folk traditions, the art of sericulture died, too. Fortunately, today, Folk Arts are experiencing a revival in Armenia. The young generation is embracing the folk traditions and crafts with enthusiasm infusing into them their contemporary creativity. Having this revival in mind, two years ago Folk Arts HUB Foundation sponsored a silk weaving workshop by inviting Mr. Avak Shirinian from Istanbul to Yerevan. Mr. Shirinian is a world renown master silk rug weaver and he had expressed his desire to transmit his knowledge and craft to the new generation of the young Republic of Armenia. Two looms and big bundles of colorful silk threads were shipped from Istanbul to the Silk Road Hotel in Yerevan. Also, two traditional designs were provided by Hratch Kozibeyokian, President of the Armenian Rugs Society, in the U.S. Mr. Shirinian and his long time assistant, Ms. Kadife, conducted silk weaving workshops for 10 straight days. Thus, the challenging and magical craft of silk weaving took root and is continuing to this day. Presently, we are also offering workshops for ceremonial silk belt weaving which requires a different technique from the historical traditions of Kars-Karin. We are excited and optimistic that this new seedling of silk weaving art and craft will grow to be a healthy tree… Text by Levon Der Bedrossian |
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