Emil Kazaz Celebrated at AGBU Reception

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the Armenian community gathered to attend a tribute event dedicated to world-renowned sculptor and painter, Emil Kazaz. The event was held at the AGBU's Alex Manoogian Center in Pasadena. The AGBU Kazaz Tribute, along with a three-day exhibition event that took place from November 6 - 8, was organized by the AGBU Southern California District Committee. More than 1,500 people attended the exhibition and the tribute, coming from near and far to view the artist's work and meet him.

The AGBU Kazaz Tribute Committee was headed by Haig Messerlian and was vice-chaired by Ani Aivazian. Other committee members who worked tirelessly to put the successful tribute together included Ara Arzumanian, Ara Babayan, Sonia Babayan, Ani Babian, Nairie Balian, Houry Boghossian, Eada Bourian, Ani Boyadjian, Benjamin Charchian, Vahe Imasdounian, Maral Ghazarian, Ivan Kesian, Aleen Khanjian, Vartouhy Kojayan, Yeva Manucharyan, Avedis Markarian, Maral Moukhtarian, Nazareth Moukhtarian, Silva Nazaretian, Siran Oknayan, Krikor Satamian, Shaghig Sepetjian, Garine Seuylemezian, Cynthia Simonian, Tamar Sinanian, Maida Tchaprazian, Shake Toumayan, and Aline Yeterian. Cooperation for the exhibition was provided by Monet Airian, Director of the Airian Dome of Fine Art, who represents Emil Kazaz worldwide.

Many distinguished guests attended Saturday evening's tribute event, including Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; California State Assembly member Paul Krekorian; nationally known artist, author, educator, and newly appointed Dean of the Art Department at the University of California Irvine, Joe Lewis; internationally known art historian and director of the Arshile Gorky Museum in Etchmiadzin, Shahen Khachatryan, renowned concert pianist Vatche Mankerian; operatic tenor Bakur Kalantaryan; and representatives from the Armenian media and leaders of the community.

Committee chairman Haig Messerlian served as the Master of Ceremonies. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of cultural figures such as Emil Kazaz, who inspire us by enriching and promoting the culture of our nation for the entire world. Messerlian stated, "While we recognize our cultural heroes who are no longer with us, as we should, we also need to recognize and honor our heroes while they are alive and actually weaving the thread of our culture, taking it to new heights - men and women who make our culture a living one, the kind that doesn't just rely on the laurels of the past but makes itself grow and flourish." He continued, "And it doesn't matter in what style or language; Aivazovsky painted seascapes, Saroyan expressed himself in English, Aznavour sings in French, Kazaz sculpts and paints in his own unique style. What matters are the quality, universality and harmonious beauty of the words, the music, the shapes and the colors."

The event featured remarks by the special guests. Joe Lewis presented a brief background of the honored guest and an analogy of his work and style. Archbishop Derderian offered his remarks, and relayed the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, inviting the distinguished guest to the podium to receive the highly coveted St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Medal. Art historian Shahen Khachtryan also spoke, reflecting on the significance of the evening. "Emil Kazaz has earned the prestigious Lorenzo Medici Medal in 2003 from the Florence Biennale and the Grande Lorenzo Il Magnifico (Medici) Prize in sculpture in 2007. His artistic achievement is a source of national pride. I am privileged and pleased to join you this evening and express a heartfelt thanks to AGBU for organizing this wonderful event."

Along with the speeches, the attendees enjoyed musical entertainment by pianist Vatche Mankerian, who performed several selected musical pieces by Chaconne, Bach, and Busoni, Operatic tenor Kalantarian, who is greatly admired by Kazaz, also performed a number of songs. On behalf of AGBU President Berge Setrakian, Sinan Sinanian, a member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors, and Berj Shahbazian, Chairman of the AGBU Southern California District Committee, provided the highlight of the evening when they presented Kazaz with the AGBU President's Award, followed by the SCDC Award, honoring his outstanding talent, lifetime cultural and artistic achievements and contribution to Armenian and international culture. The exhibit and tribute successfully reflected AGBU's goal of promoting and preserving the Armenian heritage and culture through the arts.

With chapters in Glendale, Pasadena, Orange County, San Diego and San Fernando, AGBU SCDC (www.agbuca.org) oversees a host of cultural, youth and educational programs in Southern California that include the Generation Next Mentorship Program, the Ardavazt Theater Group, Sardarabad Dance Ensemble, the Hye Geen movement, Asbeds, Young Professionals (Orange County & Los Angeles), scouts, athletic teams, and a local Ladies' Committee. SCDC carries on AGBU's mission and maintains a prominent role in one of the largest and most vibrant Armenian communities in the world. Southern California is also home to two of AGBU's leading day schools, the Manoogian-Demirdjian School (MDS) in Canoga Park and the AGBU Pasadena High School, which is the first new day school to have been established in the Armenian diaspora during the last decade.