Welcome to ArmenianArtistsNetwork.org

by Founder-Director Sarine Balian

It was only a few years ago the Armenian culture was noted to be experiencing a renaissance of sorts, years following a dark and inhibited cultural history.  A new generation of artists were emerging, intermingling and redefining the definition of Armenian art.  Today, it is clear there is an abundance of creative and artistic activity among us, globally.

In 2004 I found myself imbedded in the small yet active Armenian community in San Francisco, organizing and participating in local activities.  However, as an artist, or emerging artist, I sought my peers with very little success. 

I thought to start a network of some kind for Armenian artists. I shared my idea with Torange Yeghiazarian of Golden Thread Productions soon after, I remember, in a café in North Beach, we talked.  With a vague idea and no resources I wasn’t sure where or how to start such an organization.  She suggested an on-line list-serve. (This was before the social networking site explosion) And so it was. Armenian Artists Network YahooGroups was created a few days later came in to existence.

Five years later, I am incredibly proud of where AAN is today, and where we are headed.  Through our MySpace account and facebook group we reach over 500 Armenian artists and arts professionals around the world.  From Australia to Morocco, France to Los Angeles, Armenia to Argentina…to name a few hubs.  We reach artists of every discipline and style, young emerging artists, career artists and those who have mastered their craft.  Having started with a handful of us a few years ago we have made great advancement and progress.

We are now continuing our consistent and steady growth as always. With this site the possibilities are endless.  And I encourage you all to participate and to expand the network.  As informal and social circles of artists have always existed, consider AAN a grand and virtual circle of Armenian artists.  I understand how comfortable it is to stay within out safe, established, often pre-determined professional structures. I do however encourage (myself included) to reach beyond them and allow ourselves to be uncomfortable, risk rejection, and be willing to learn and to teach.

Something I noticed about the vast yet intricate population of ours is that each of us brings a perspective to the large Armenian identity table that makes our reality complete.  One Armenian’s experience in one sub-group may answer questions the rest of us cannot and vice versa.  I hope that we all can examine those ideas we never questioned, and set aside the fears we never admit to in order to create a space where we as artists can lead by example.

We hope that Armenian Artists Network has here opened doors to an even brighter future of inspired works, creative collaborations and advancements in the arts for Armenians.

Lastly, I invite all artists of Armenian descent, and all arts organizations around the world and in every discipline to join us. If we have not found you yet, find us.

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Dear Artists,

We have a very special chance to work with the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR), Inc. to raise funds for the orphanages in Armenia. AAN is collecting art items for auction (CDs, books, DVDs, paintings, prints, sculptures, Jewelery, tickets, services, etc). We hope to collect at least 25 works from our artists.  Several individuals, including myself, have already committed to a donation, but we still have a way to go.  Please think about what you can contribute and contact the National SOAR President, George S. Yacoubian, Jr., for details at george.yacoubian@gmail.com.  More information about the organization can be found at www.soar-us.org. I was very moved by the work this group does for Armenian orphans, and I hope that you will as well.

A letter from Dr. Yacoubian: