Join us for the opening reception for the Leatherby Libraries' newest exhibit, "A Country Called Syria." The exhibit, which has traveled between several venues in Southern California, is curated by a group of Syrian American women who wish to share the treasures of their Syrian culture with the world. It displays historical and cultural aspects of Syrian life, illustrating different foods, attires, trades, cities, and contributions of Syria.

The opening reception will feature a conversation with Kinda Hibrawi, who works for Karam Foundation as education and creative director. She is an internationally recognized Syrian-American painter specializing in the art of Arabic calligraphy. Kinda tries to bridge cultural misunderstandings between Arabs and Americans through her artwork. Her Syria Twitter Portrait series will be featured at the Venice Biennial this summer. Originally from Aleppo, Kinda grew up in Saudi Arabia and lives in Irvine, California.

Also featured is Lynn Matthews, the creator of the Kids Giving Hope to Kids project. Using the medium of art, Lynn empowers children of northern Iraq, Afghanistan, and the United States to creatively inspire displaced Syrian and Iraqi children. The children exchange drawings and greetings which Lynn delivers to refugee camps in northern Iraq.

After the program, join us for some delicious Syrian refreshments, provided by Aleppo's Kitchen. There will also be demonstrations of Syrian coffee-making and calligraphy. "Scents of Syria" soaps, handmade by Syrian women and benefiting Syrian refugees, will be for sale at the reception.

To learn more about any of our partner organizations, see the buttons on the right-hand side of this page.