Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project

Below is a story of a volunteer who has connected with an Iraqi Artist, Anwar Qamar.

From Iraq to Minnesota: Connecting through Art

Barb is a Minnesotan who recently heard Sami Rasouli, Director of MPT, speak about life in Iraq and the continuing consequences of war. After Sami’s talk, Barb wrote, “We were all devastated, and called to action, and also inspired by the potential that we people can reach across to each

other and simply create peace.” Barb bought a painting by Iraqi artist Anwar Qamar that Sami had brought with him. She emailed Anwar and, with some help in getting the email to Anwar from IARP’s partner in Iraq the Muslim Peacemaker Teams, talked with Anwar via their computers. Anwar showed Barb other pieces of his work and asked her to speak slowly so he could catch the English.

In an earlier email to Anwar, Barb wrote, “After (Sami’s) talk, I had a chance to look through the paintings which Sami brought.  As soon as I saw your painting, “Help!” I burst into tears, grabbed it and bought it.  It is now hanging right in front of me.  Just now when I rolled open your painting and found your contact information on the back, I cried again.  Again the horror of what is happening in Iraq was made real to me.  Thank you for sending your cry for help.  We have heard it and I am answering that call.”

Barb is excited about how art can help personalize Iraqis to Americans. She plans to arrange for art shows in the LaCrosse-Winona area and is starting her outreach with a popular restaurant. She plans to do the front work of talking with the owners and then coordinate with IARP about selecting Iraqi pieces.

Barb told Anwar in another email, “I am so grateful and I look forward to being in touch with you, Anwar, and developing this wonderful connection between ordinary people who care about goodness and beauty, and about justice. Please do write to me, Anwar.  I want you to know many things- mostly that there are millions of people like me here in the US, and all over the world, who are hearing your cry and know what’s happened.  I am working hard to help….

There is no news here about radioactive dust, about cancer and dead babies and poisoned water and destroyed systems.  Everything is kept at a comfortable distance in the media. I want to keep your cry for help fresh and close so that I will mobilize to help you in a powerful way. We are all one family. I am your friend. I hope to have the opportunity to meet you someday….

This is the truth which, together, we can bring out of our hearts and make real on this earth in Iraq: ‘Every object and being in the universe is a jar overflowing with wisdom and beauty,a drop of the Tigris that cannot be contained by any skin. Every jarful spills and makes the earth more shining, as though covered in satin… Make peace with the universe. Take joy in it. It will turn to gold. Resurrection will be now. Every moment, a new beauty‘ (Rumi).

We can do this together:

‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has‘ (Margaret Mead).”

If you would like to get involved with the Iraqi Art Project, please contact Tricia Heuring, Director of the Iraqi Art Project, at tricia (at) reconciliationproject.org. To see a sample of the Iraqi art that IARP shows in the U.S., click here.

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