Iraq: Understanding Through Art

Minnesota events to bring Iraqis and Americans together in dialogue on the effects of the Iraq War

Minneapolis, MN (May 2, 2011) - "Iraq: Understanding Through Art" will show at the Maple Grove Arts Center, 7916 Main Street in Maple Grove. The show runs from May 20th - July 8th with an Opening Reception on Friday, May 20th at 7pm.

Visiting Gallery Show: Iraq: Understanding through Art

The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project presents a collection of paintings by contemporary Iraqi artists living and working in the Euphrates river valley in southern Iraq. The paintings range from sharp-focused compositions, with abstract motifs, fragmentation, and distortion, to environmental portraits highlighting pastoral landscapes. The exhibit is about history and heritage. The paintings contain symbols, styles and references to both the history and present life in Iraq. The range of color and subject matterpersonalize artists working in the heart of conflict. Unlike media generated images of a war-torn country, these paintings make apparent the desire to uphold the tradition of art created in the cradle of civilization.

Building on the transformative power of art, this show helps to personalize relationships between Iraqis and Americans and seeks to build bridges between artists and communities in both countries. The paintings, done in a variety of media, reflect the work of artists living and working in Iraq. All proceeds from the show will directly benefit the artists, who have chosen to contribute 50% of their proceeds to the Muslim Peacemaker Teams, working for peace and human rights in Iraq.

The Maple Grove Arts Center is partnering with the Iraqi American Reconciliation Project (IARP) a nonprofit organization located in the Twin Cities. The artwork is offered by this organization to foster peace and greater understanding between the two countries. This is the first time IARP has shown the artwork in Maple Grove.

For more information please view the press release, or call (612) 418-0114. Contact: Lorrie Link.

Kathy McKay, Executive Director kathy@reconciliationproject.org 952-545-9981

Tricia Khutoretsky tricia@reconciliationproject.org 612-978-5566