Critically Acclaimed Armenian American Artist Seeroon Yeretzian Unveils Solo Exhibit in California

Over 200 Guests Attend Two-Day Event Hosted by AGBU Los Angeles Chapter

Haunting figures, ancient scriptures and vibrant animals are just some of the images that fill the canvases of renowned Armenian American artist Seeroon Yeretzian’s paintings, which delighted audiences during her solo exhibition last month at the AGBU-AYA Nazarian Center in Canoga Park, California. Organized by the AGBU Los Angeles Chapter from Friday, January 25 to Saturday, January 26, 2013, the event drew over 200 guests, among them art connoisseurs and Yeretzian’s dedicated fans. For years, they have watched her enrich the local diaspora community with her distinctive work, and welcomed the opportunity to celebrate her many achievements.

On opening night, the crowd listened to words of praise from Yeretzian’s friends, colleagues and family, beginning with the exhibit curator and the head of the AGBU Los Angeles Chapter Committee’s cultural programs Maral Voskian, who delivered the welcoming remarks. Mrs. Voskian described the love for Armenian art that both Seeroon and her late husband Harout, who was a member of the AGBU Ardavazt Theater Committee, shared, and lauded her for being as modest as she is talented. She commented, “Seeroon has been a part of our community for more than 20 years, during which she has made a name for herself as both an artist and the owner of the Roslin Art Gallery in Glendale. Knowing how humble she is, I couldn’t have imagined she could produce such a vast collection. Yet she has – and the AGBU Los Angeles Chapter is proud to spotlight it by hosting this exhibition.”

Harry Mesrobian, who worked in the same studio with Yeretzian for years, shared similar sentiments, relaying personal anecdotes that underscore the great impact of her work.  Yeretzian’s pieces have drawn critical acclaim, Mesrobian described, from public figures and the public at large alike. He recounted many notable stories: the city of Los Angeles voted her as one of the top – out of more than 200 – artists who submitted paintings for the City of Angels art competition honoring the millennium; the prominent Armenian Egyptian painter Puzant Godjamanian has declared her a “modern day Picasso”; and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I insisted that a personal gift she once created for him be put on display. Mesrobian pointed to pieces on view that evening, such as Splendor of Aypupen, part of Yeretzian’s signature “Illuminations” series, which he has witnessed turn complete strangers to her work into great admirers. 

Following Mesrobian, Seeroon’s son Arno Yeretzian spoke on her behalf, thanking the event organizers as she looked on from the audience. He then opened the floor, allowing the guests to take in the entire collection, which was filled with themes Yeretzian has dedicated her career to exploring – of history, injustice and nature – and marked by a style that is all her own. It is a style that has been inspired by her ancestral Armenia, her native Lebanon and her current home in Southern California, and honed through an extensive education that includes the AGBU Tarouhy Hagopian High School in Beirut; the Conservatoire du Liban, where she completed her vocal training; Beirut University College, where she studied fashion design; and most recently the Otis College of Art and Design, where she obtained her B.A. in Fine Art. 

Many guests were able to enjoy Yeretzian’s work following the exhibition: on sale throughout the event were two books, a compilation of her visual art and a collection of her poems. For more information on Seeroon Yeretzian, visit www.seeroonart.com.

The Seeroon Yeretzian exhibition and reception were made possible by the AGBU Los Angeles Chapter, Chapter Chair Ara Yessaian and the Chapter’s Ladies Committee. For more information on the AGBU Los Angeles Chapter, email chapters@agbu.org.