Pali-Am Artist Wins at Venice Biennale
Multimedia artist Emily Jacir (right) was honored with a Golden Lion award at the 52nd Venice Biennale last month, becoming the first Arab woman and first Palestinian American to receive this award. The prestigious international art exhibition selected Jacir in the “artists under age 40” category for “Material for a Film,” an assemblage of photos, video, text and sound installations that examines issues of exile as they relate to Palestinians. Jacir was represented in the AANM’s 2005 exhibition In/Visible. Read about the artist HERE.
Free Holiday Fun This Week at AANM
Come celebrate the season at the AANM! Free holiday events this week include Thursday night’s International Holiday Marketplace at 6 p.m. and, for kids ages 6-12, the Free Crafts Sunday Christmas Party with special guest Santa Claus on Sunday at 2 p.m. Both events are free; no tickets or advance registration necessary. Complimentary refreshments will be served at both events. Scroll down to Events below for further information.
Holiday Savings at Museum Store
Got some serious gift-buying to do? Let us help. During the Global Thursdays International Holiday Marketplace this Thursday evening, you’ll get 20% off all regularly priced merchandise in the Museum Store. Then, for the next two weekends (Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 
22-23), Double Discount Days gives Museum Members the chance to double their usual 10% Museum Store savings to 20%; non-members get 10% off. Click HERE to become a Member and get that 20%. Shopping online this year? The Museum Store offers free shipping for online purchases through this Saturday, December 15. Click HERE to purchase gifts now, including Telling Our Story, the new book about the founding and exhibits of the Arab American National Museum.
Help Your AANM Grow
The AANM is not even three years old but already planning for its long-term health and well-being. As you consider your year-end charitable giving, please remember the AANM Endowment Fund. Gifts of any amount are welcome. Donations to the Endowment Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law; contact your tax professional for details. Click HERE to donate to the AANM Endowment Fund.
Museum Holiday Hours
Both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Tuesday this year – so the Arab American National Museum, which is always closed on Monday and Tuesday, will be maintaining regular business hours during the holiday period. Click HERE to view our hours.
December 13:
Global Thursdays International Holiday Marketplace FREE
Our popular holiday bazaar returns with fashion, art, crafts and food from around the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop, explore and enjoy live music, a fashion show and complimentary refreshments, as our holiday gift to you! Save 20% on all regularly priced merchandise in the Museum Store, during the Marketplace only (no other discounts apply).
December 13 & 20:
Free Meditation Sessions
The “Learn to Meditate Series” continues at the AANM at 6:15 p.m. Thursdays until further notice. Come see for yourself why so many people from every culture and walks of life are learning to meditate. Release stress and bring benefits to mind, body and emotions. Become a deeper, brighter person. Look and feel younger. In the Lower Level Classroom. Free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Terry Freel at 248.227.7595 or tlf157@comcast.net. NOTE: NO SESSION ON DECEMBER 27.
December 15:
Our Arab American Story Broadcast
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Keith Famie’s look at Detroit’s Arab American community is just about ready for its close-up! Our Arab American Story is set to air commercial free on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. The AANM and its parent organization ACCESS figure prominently in the program; Russell Ebeid, a member of the Museum’s National Advisory Board, is a major funder of the show. Watch a trailer for Our Arab American Story by clicking HERE.
December 16:
Free Craft Sundays Christmas Party
From 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, Santa Claus visits Free Craft Sundays at the AANM with a glorious program of storytelling and crafts including decorating cookies and making snowflake ornaments and greeting cards. Be ready for a photo op – children can have their picture snapped with the Big Man in the Red Suit during the festivities. The party is free for kids ages 6-12; no advance registration needed. See you there!
January 22, 2008:
SURA Arts Academy Session Begins
Middle school students from southwest Detroit are invited to take part in SURA Arts Academy, the Museum’s free diversity-themed photography instruction program. Instructors from Detroit’s College for Creative Studies will lead the weekly sessions at Munger Middle School January 22 through April 15. Kids get the use of a digital camera and the chance to exhibit their work at the AANM, along with the opportunity to interact via Internet with student photographers in Amman, Jordan. For details, contact Nahleh Ali at 313.624.0210 or nali@accesscommunity.org.
Through March 30, 2008:
Silver Speaks:
Traditional Jewelry of the Middle East
Silver Speaks: Traditional Jewelry of the Middle East features selections from the David and Marjorie Ransom Collection. The Ransoms began collecting silver jewelry during their careers as U.S. diplomats in the Middle East, and became amateur preservationists as they investigated smithing techniques and the historical, cultural and social meaning of various jewelry designs. In the Lower Level Gallery. Click HERE to read more about the exhibition.
This exhibition made possible in part by The Wallace Foundation.
Membership
Receive the following membership benefits:
- Free AANM admission plus advance notice and invitations to upcoming events
- Reduced ticket prices for AANM events
- 10% discount at the Museum store
- 10% discount on Museum facility rentals
- Free guest passes
- Ability to borrow books from Museum Library & Resource Center
Call (313) 624-0202 today for your Museum Membership or click here
