AANM Represented at Scholarly Events
This weekend in College Park, Maryland, AANM Director Dr. Anan Ameri (right) will be one of the speakers at the 2nd annual Arab-American History Conference presented by the Arab American Historical 
Foundation. Click HERE to read more about the event, subtitled “Reviving Arab American History: Cultural and Literary Contributions.” And last month, at the 41st annual meeting of the Middle East Studies Association (MESA) in Montreal, Canada, AANM’s Managing Librarian, Tara Lannen-Stanton-Fritzler, presented her paper, “Arab Nationalism at the Brooklyn Bridge: An Examination of the Nationalist Ideas of Ameen Rihani as an Arab American”. Click HERE to read the paper.
Free Student Photography Program
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.
Accession: Doris Bittar Triptych
This triptych (three joined canvases) was done in oil paint by acclaimed artist Doris Bittar in 1991. It’s entitled You Open Your Eyes Under the Oblivious Sun of the West and it measures 72 inches by 144 inches. Bittar’s ethnic background (born in Iraq to Lebanese parents) inspires and informs her work. This piece marks one of her first uses of Arabic calligraphy and abstract imagery. The triptych was donated by Manal Swairjo of San Diego, California. AANM curators have scheduled the piece for installation in early 2008. Interested in donating art or artifacts to the AANM? Click HERE for information.
Variety Intros Middle East Newsletter
Have you heard about music video giant MTV’s new 
venture, MTV Arabia? Did you know that Middle Eastern investors are buying into Western entertainment conglomerates like Sony? Entertainment industry journal Variety has launched a free e-newsletter for anyone interested in the entertainment industry in the Arab World. Click HERE to subscribe.
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 6:
Global Thursdays: Mady Kouyate
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Mady is a descendent of the Kouyate family of Dialolu, oral historians and musicians of Manding traditions, recording the history of West African societies through music and verse. Performing on the 21-string kora, he is a master of the traditional and ancestral heritage of griot. Tickets are $8 for Museum Members and students; $10 in advance at the Museum or by phone with a credit card at 313.582.2266 or 313.624.0215; and $12 at the door.
December 6, 13, 20 & 27:
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.
December 13:
Global Thursdays 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 and complimentary refreshments, as our holiday gift to you! Admission is free; no tickets necessary. Bring a friend!
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 Sunday 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 gingerbread houses, 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 necessary. See you there!
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
