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Philadelphia Nonprofit hosts inaugural Art & Jazz Fest

featuring World Renown American Armenian Artists

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) – On Saturday, April 27th the Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of Philadelphia, also known as Hamazkayin, will host its inaugural Armenian Art and Jazz Fest in Philadelphia. The evening will highlight contemporary American-Armenian art and jazz. The art show will exhibit an eclectic collection of fine paintings, photography, fashion, and jewelry created by renowned Armenian artists from around the globe including: sculptor Michael Aram, fashion designer Kevork Shadoyan, three generations of Elibekian painters, Philadelphia artist Armen Yepoyan, and many more.

Patrons will have the opportunity to purchase all art exhibited at the event and meet special guest Patricia Field, Emmy Award winning costume designer, stylist, fashion designer and fashion icon. Field also received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, as well as continued recognition for her work on television series such as Ugly Betty, Hope & Faith, and most recently for the hit TV Land series ‘Younger’. She currently supports young artists in New York City in her ARTFashion Gallery located at 200 E Broadway, Suite 3D NYC and online www.patriciafield.com

The evening will feature LIVE music by jazz vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan and her band from New York City.

“Armenians have made significant contributions to the arts, sciences and humanities. We have given the world Charles Aznavour, one of France’s most popular and enduring singers, Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Aram Khatchaturian’s Sabre Dance, and more,” says Lorig Baronian, Chair of the Art and Jazz Festival. “Art is the rich tapestry that weaves our past with our present and future. As a nonprofit, our mission is to encourage and empower young Armenian artists.” All proceeds from the event will help establish an endowment fund to promote future generations of Armenian artists in the visual, applied, and performing arts.

Art and Jazz Fest will showcase exclusive award-winning Armenian wines, sourced directly from Armenian vineyards. Dating back 6,100 years, the world’s oldest winery was discovered in Armenia in 2007. The country’s winemaking industry is experiencing a renaissance, with 23 wines winning medals at the renowned Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards in 2017.

Art and Jazz Fest will be held from 7pm to 11pm in Founders Hall in the complex of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church located at 8710 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit: bit.ly/2WPmqqe

Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote and preserve Armenian identity and cultural traditions. Gifts to Hamazkayin help fund important exhibitions, educational public programming, and support the next generation of Armenian creators. Hamazkayin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

In 2018, Armenia’s rich history and emerging economy garnered international attention:

Armenia was featured in the Smithsonian Institute 2018 Folklife Festival at the National Mall and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Dozens of Armenian artists and artisans showcased their talents to thousands of attendees during the 10-day festival.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition entitled Armenia! was “the first major exhibition to explore the remarkable artistic and cultural achievements of the Armenian people.” The New York Times called the four-month exhibit “eye-opening.”
The Economist named Armenia its “Country of the Year,” highlighting the country’s democratic progress and peaceful transition of power during the last spring’s Velvet Revolution.

Armenia’s rich cultural history dates back to the 8th century BC. It’s capital, Yerevan celebrated its 2,800th anniversary, predating Rome. In 301 AD, Armenians were the first to adopt Christianity as their national religion. During the first Republic of Armenia (1918-1920), women enjoyed universal suffrage, two years before American women did, and the first parliament included three female members.

Famous Armenians in the arts, fashion, literature and music include: Ivan Aivazovsky, Michael Aram, Charles Aznavour, Chris Bohjalian, Cher, Arshile Gorky, Yousef Karsh, Aram Khatchaturian, Hovsep Pushman, Carolyn Rafaelian, William Saroyan, and Serj Tankian.