Friday Program
Join us for an evening of chit chat and gupshup with local South Asian women artists showcasing their art, organization and stories. We are honored to present the following artist and organization.
We will open the festival on Friday with featuring artist Humaira Abid and her world famous sculpture artwork. We will also introduce the work of Bo M. Karlsson Foudation, a local organization helping with Nepali girls' education; a local woman poet; and 100+yr old jewel and the story behind it from its owner.
1. Artist
Humaira Abid
Humaira Abid picks up ordinary images from everyday life and makes them extraordinary. Her basic interest is situations in ‘relationships’ and their after effects. Some of her work is humorous, some ironical. Her themes are timeless. The presentation is contemporary. She turns, carves, constructs in wood with great skill and detailing.
Humaira is one of a small number of female sculptors to rise to the top of her field in Pakistan as well as internationally. Her commitment to her artistic career is illustrated by her continuous pursuit and participation in number of art residencies, art exhibitions, symposiums and workshops. Humaira's work has gained international recognition for its originality and excellence and has won her many awards.
She has exhibited her exquisite work nationally and internationally including in Malaysia, India, Mauritius, Nepal, Kenya, Dubai, Bolivia, Germany, Russia, UK and USA. Humaira lives and works in Seattle, WA, and Lahore, Pakistan.
Humaira graduated with Honors from National College of Arts Lahore, Pakistan in 2000. She majored in Sculpture, with Miniature as her double minor. Humaira joined NCA as a lecturer in 2001. Currently she is visiting Assistant Professor at National College of Arts and Beaconhouse National University, Lahore. Humaira lives and works in Lahore, Pakistan and Seattle, WA, USA. Humaira.com.pk
2. Adornment: Heirlooms and Traditions
Story presentation by Shelly Krishnamurty and her precious jewel.
Shelly Krishnamurthy has been in the Seattle area for the last 12 years and is well known for her volunteer work with a number of organizations. She is a former community board member of SAAM. She has been an active presenter at the World Language Day program at the UW for the past 4 years. Shelly is involved with the local non-profits, especially Chaya. Shelly loves to cook and enjoys hosting auction dinners for various charities. For her dedicated volunteerism, Shelly received the Top Contributors to the Asian Community Award from the Northwest Asian Weekly in 2005. She lives in Bellevue with her husband and parents.
3. Organization
Bo M. Karlsson Foundation
The Bo M. Karlsson Foundation started off as a non-sectarian fund to honor the legacy of the late Bo M. Karlsson, a compassionate man deeply dedicated to his family, the natural world, and education.
Started in 2004, the goal of the fund was to procure funds for underprivileged young women from around the world so that they could attend higher education or trade schools. In the fall of 2007, the goal of turning the fund into a foundation was actualized and Nepal was chosen as the initial country.
Saturday Program
1. Humaira Abid
Humaira will repeat her presentation and talk about her artwork.
2. Adornment: Heirlooms and Traditions
South Asian Women Talk about Jewelry and their stories
Four local women share their jewelry from different regions of India and Pakistan, along with their personal stories. Births, weddings, and other milestones are marked in part by giving jewelry, wearing special pieces, and even taking off jewelry.
3. Saree Safari
Have you ever wondered how long a saree is, where it came from, how it is worn, how it feels to the skin? Join Shelly on this unique Saree Safari! Experience beautiful sarees curated with a lot of love from different parts of India. Hear the deeply personal stories that are linked to a couple of these sarees and explore the connection between culture and clothes. Also observe how it can be draped in one of the many styles, and try wearing one for yourself.
Shelly Krishnamurthy has been in the Seattle area for the last 12 years and is well known for her volunteer work with a number of organizations. She is a former community board member of SAAM. She has been an active presenter at the World Language Day program at the UW for the past 4 years. Shelly is involved with the local non-profits, especially Chaya. Shelly loves to cook and enjoys hosting auction dinners for various charities. For her dedicated volunteerism, Shelly received the Top Contributors to the Asian Community Award from the Northwest Asian Weekly in 2005. She lives in Bellevue with her husband and parents.