Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project

This looks like a fantastic show about the interconnectedness of the world. It’s open until July 5th, Tuesday-Sunday 12-6pm or by appointment. Location is the Blair Arcade Building (lower level) at the corner of Selby and Western, St. Paul, MN. If you can go, go!

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LIVING IN LIGHT April 24 – July 5, 2009 Opening Friday, April 24 ● 6 pm – 9 pm Wine and hors d’oeuvres Paintings by Kelli Bickman, Photog raphy by Connie Bickman, and Mixed-media by Iraqi War Kids Relief Everyday we are reminded of our how our lives intersect with others at home, at work and in our communities. This show brings to light how that interconnectedness extends around the world by encouraging us to bring home the playfulness of the Buddha and other deities, share the stories of women from around the world, and enter into the lives of children in war-torn Iraq. Come see yourself in the lives of others and then, like these artists, envision the role you play in making this a better world. Watch for the many special events during this extended 10-week show! To preview the current show, click here. After the opening, come visit us: Tues – Sun 12-6 or by appointment Salir a la Luz is located in St. Paul in the Blair Arcade Building (lower level) at the corner of Selby and Western (map). Or visit us on the web at: www.saliralaluz.com Handicapped accessible. Please call for information (651.340.1957). Additional parking across=2 0Selby courtesy of the St. Paul Urban League. Top: K. Bickman, Christ Buddha, 5′ x 7 ‘ Middle: War Kids Relief, Doll #17, 11 x 14 Bottom: C. Bickman, Aboriginal Dance, 11 x 14

Main Gallery Kelli Bickman is a multi-media artist who has traveled the world extensively and been fortunate to study with several spiritual masters, including the Dalai Lama and Geshe Micheal Roach. In 2007 she ventured to India and spent several months living in a Tibetian Buddhist Nunnery studying tangka paintings and temple art. Come see the influence of these experiences in the “Images of Enlightenment” paintings on exhibit at Salir a la Luz. Special events to follow. Left: Naga Om, 34 x 22

Minnesota Gallery Children’s Gallery We are pleased to carry over the popular exhibit by award-winning photojournalist Connie Bickman. With photos and stories from around the world, Connie let’s us enter into the lives of others to better see our own. Watch for coming events where Connie will share her own story and life-changing experiences! Above: Golden Offering, 11 x 14 The children’s art exhibit is from the War Kids Relief (WKR) program. WKR connects American and Iraqi youth through a program centered on a pen-pal and art exchange. Come learn how they empower children to become Youth Ambassadors for their countries, leading towards a more peaceful understanding between nations. Special events include mini-Youth Ambassador workshops and A Soldier’s March for Peace!

165 western avenue, suite 10 • saint paul, mn 55102 • www.saliralaluz.com • info@saliralaluz.com

Minneapolis artist Heba Amin was recently featured in a Star Tribune article about her work illustrating a book on female Muslim heroes (some of her illustrations are above). Amin says, “I’m very aware of cultural stereotypes. The image of Muslim women in the United States is of veiled, oppressed people who have no voice. But in fact, Muslim women have a long history of remarkable achievements.” A little-known but very true fact.

The book, “Extraordinary Women from the Muslim World,” was awarded a National Best Books 2008 Award and a Moonbeam Peacemaker Award. More info on the book can be found here.

On a (kind of) related note, EngageMN.com recently published an article on Muslim feminism and Muslim women in Minnesota: “For Muslim Women in Minnesota, Complex Identities”.

Muslim Peacemaker Teams, IARP’s partner in Iraq, recently hosted an art show for Iraqi artist Shaima’a Saad at the Youth & Sport Najaf Center. Below are some images from the show, which over 500 people attended. More »

While the massive destruction of life and infrastructure in Iraq after the 2003 US invasion received much media attention (and rightly so), the damage to Iraq’s cultural heritage has mostly left the spotlight. In the looting after the invasion, many invaluable objects in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad were stolen or destroyed. The loss of a part of a country’s history and culture is often forgotten as a consequence of war. Looking back, we need to remember and accept our responsibility for this loss.

Saving Antiquities For Everyone is holding a Candlelight Vigil for the Iraq Museum this April 10-12, 2009. Click here to see how you can participate. In Minnesota, there is a Candlelight Vigil on April 10 at 6:00PM at Macalester College. Details can be found here.