Glendale Library, Arts & Culture recently announced programs paying tribute to the local Armenian community in a celebration of history and culture throughout the month of April.
On Saturday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Central Library will present a celebration of Armenian culture, history and heritage during a large, joyous community event. This year’s theme is “Origins: A Celebration of Armenian Artists, Creators, and Inventors Who Have Made an Impact on the World.” The opening ceremony will begin at noon with remarks from Library, Arts & Culture Director Gary Shaffer.
Additional events include poetry readings in English and Armenian, Armenian-themed crafts for all ages and a class in Armenian calligraphy courtesy of the Armenian Artist’s Association. Raffi Joe Wartanian, Glendale’s inaugural poet laureate, will be on site leading the public in writing a collective community poem.
Glendale Community College has collaborated with GLAC on a historical display of photos and visual representations of family heirlooms and artwork from GCC students and the Glendale community through a call for public submissions.
The footage collected by the USC Institute of Armenian Studies will be on view throughout the day for patrons to listen to while they enjoy Armenian pastries and coffee offered by Glendale’s own Urartu Coffee.
The event’s highlight will take place on the library’s main floor at 1:30 p.m. as Lernazang Ensemble leads a participatory workshop in traditional Armenian singing and dancing that uphold the memories of the lost homeland of Western Armenia.
Community partners and exhibitors will be available throughout the event, including author Katia Tavitian, Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society, USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies, Glendale Community College, Armenian Artist’s Association, Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter, Armenian Youth Federation and Abril Books.
On Wednesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. Central Library will host a special conversation with Inna Sahakyan, director of the film “Aurora’s Sunrise,” Armenia’s submission to the 2023 Academy Awards. The animated film is based on the life of Aurora Mardiganian, an Armenian genocide survivor who, after her escape, became an actress in the United States and starred in the silent film, “Auction of Souls (Ravished Armenia).” The event will include clips, stills and an in-depth discussion about the craft of making the film.
The conversation with Sahakian is also in conjunction with the city of Glendale’s Week of Remembrance. For more information on upcoming events and the 22nd annual Armenian genocide commemorative event at the Alex Theatre on April 24, at 7 p.m., visit myglendalecitynews.org.
GLAC’s Armenian History Month programs are part of its Be the Change Series: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism (IDEA).
The Central Library is located at 222 E. Harvard St. For details on all GLAC events, resources and more, visit eglendalelac.org/armenian. For more information, call library information at (818) 548-2021, or email library staff at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov.
First published in the April 15 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
