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SALAAM: AN ARAB AMERICAN PORTRAIT

Documentary Photographs by Andrew Courtney in Museum Gallery of White Plains Public Library

An exhibition of 50 black and white portraits visually documenting the unique diversity and texture of the Arab American community in the Westchester County region will be on display in the Museum Gallery of the White Plains Public Library from November 2, 2003 through January 18, 2004.

Salaam: An Arab American Portrait, produced by documentary photographer Andrew Courtney of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, offers a view of the emerging Arab community that crisscrosses the range of vocations, religions and personal interests not unlike those found in any other American community. The narrative aspect of this exhibition is implicit in the portraits.

Courtney is a film/darkroom photographer whose work over the years has focused on international and local issues of social concern. The exhibition is the result of a year-long project funded by an "Arts Alive" grant awarded by the Westchester Arts Council. The exhibition has been made possible with the assistance of the City of White Plains.

An artist's reception will be held on November 2, 2003 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. In addition, a variety of cultural events and programs will be presented in collaboration with the exhibition in the Library Auditorium. They include:

American Arab Artists: Contributions in Visual Arts

(Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm)
A slide-lecture with Salwa Mikdadi Nashashibi, author of Forces of Change: Artists of the Arab World, highlighting works produced by American Arab artists in the past decade.

The History of Palestinian Embroidery

(Saturday, November 15 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm)
A discussion of the development of traditional Palestinian costume through the ages and the influence of Arab textile arts on costume in Medieval Europe. Examples of patterns found in Palestinian embroidery and antique costumes will be displayed. This presentation is based on the Hanan and Farah Munayyer Collection, which has appeared at the United Nations, the Washington National Cathedral and other prestigious venues.

Arabic Music, Poetry & Food Night

(Monday, December 1 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm)
Musicians and poets featured in our Museum Gallery exhibition "Salaam: An Arab American Community" will perform live works. Music will include use of the accordion and the "oud" - the Arabic guitar. Samples of ethnic foods from many Arab countries will be served.

The Faiths of Abraham in Arab Land-An Interfaith Dialogue

(Wednesday, December 10 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm)
The Center for Jewish-Christian-Muslim Understanding presents a panel discussion with a rabbi, priest and imam who will offer their perspectives on their respective religions in Arab lands (each are Arabic speakers or were born in the Arab World). A Q&A session will follow the panel presentations.