[PEN-L:33738] al-PHAN (Palestinian Humanities and Arts Now)

[Yoshie Furuhashi <furuhashi.1@xxxxxxx>]

*****   Palestinian Humanities and Arts Now

About Us

Our name comes from the Arabic word al-phan (pronounced fan) meaning
"the arts" and is an acronym in English for Palestinian Humanities
and Arts Now. al-PHAN is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the many artistic talents of Palestinians and
artists influenced by the Palestinian Experience. Our events planning
is done year-round and is focused on fostering greater understanding
within American society of this unique collective history.

In order to convey these experiences and perspectives we have chosen
this medium, the arts, because it can serve as both a means to
illustrate profound events in our lives, as well as present the
growth and diversification of a culture in Diaspora. Through
consistent events al-PHAN will not only proliferate understanding of
the Palestinian Experience, but will also provide a solid platform
for both established and emerging artists to display their efforts.
We believe that exposing people to this rich heritage in the arts and
humanities will help to educate and enrich all of our lives.

Composed of very diverse members, al-PHAN was formed with the intent
of drawing parallels between the Palestinian struggle and other civil
rights and social movements of our time. We further seek to create an
environment where the expression of non-mainstream thought is not
only encouraged but also presented to audiences not normally aware of
this perspective.

al-PHAN was conceptualized and founded in 2001. It was very clear
that a need existed for people to experience firsthand the wealth of
Palestinian culture and its influence on the arts. We have taken on
this task and begun to bridge the gaps in cultural understanding that
exist today. Our hope is that through education and interaction we
are able to improve multicultural understanding of one another and
broaden awareness of the Palestinian Experience.

<http://www.al-phan.org/about_us.html>   *****

*****   al-PHAN Photo Journal Exhibit

Concept

al-PHAN (Palestinian Humanities & Arts Now; http://www.al-phan.org/)
has a new initiative entitled "Mind, Body, and Soul of Palestine"
that will begin its nationwide tour in January of 2003.

al-PHAN's concept is a collection of 36 photographs, taken by three
talented photographers, capturing the Mind, Body, and Soul of
Palestine. This compilation contains works that illustrate the
Palestinian people in their everyday lives (Mind), the city and
landscapes of Palestine (Body), and the Palestinian people's struggle
for self-determination and life under occupation (Soul).

The captivating imagery shows the essence of Palestine, vividly
portraying the spirit of a vibrant people and culture in the context
of their unique history. Featuring the work of photographers Andrew
Courtney, Luke Powell, and Steve Sabella, this gallery production
will contain framed and mounted photographs in both black & white and
color prints. Each photograph will be accompanied by explanations
written by the photographer that captured them.

<http://www.al-phan.org/photojournal/>   *****

*****   Traveling Children's Art Exhibit - *Now in Chicago, IL*

This exhibit is a collection of over 50 works of art, created by
Palestinian school children, who were asked how they saw the world
around them. The children created images that reflect the stark
reality of life in an occupied land, and the devastating
circumstances that they live and die under. These images demonstrate
the profound psychological impact that occupation, oppression, and
apartheid have upon the children of Palestine.

The nationwide tour of art work entitled "Innocence Under Siege" has
concluded its tour and will have a final showing in Chicago, IL
before being archived into our resource library. If you would like to
borrow this exhibit for a venue near you, please e-mail us [@
<events@xxxxxxxxxxx>].

Innocence Under Siege

Innocence Under Siege will now be showing in Chicago, IL
Nationally organized and presented by: Palestinian Humanities & Arts Now
Locally co-sponsored by: Al-Awda Chicago, the Palestine Right to
Return Coalition (http://chicago.al-awda.info)

Innocence Under Siege
January 10th - January 17th, 2003

Opening Friday, January 10th, 2003
7pm - 10pm at:
REVOLUCION CAFE
1134 W. 18th St.
312-421-8164
map [@
<http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&addtohistory=&address=1134+w+18th+st&city=chicago&state=il&zipcode=&homesubmit=Get+Map>]

Questions? E-mail us at: events@xxxxxxxxxxx
For more information on the previous tour of this exhibit please
click here [@ <http://www.al-phan.org/ius/archive/>].

<http://www.al-phan.org/ius/>   *****
--
Yoshie

* Calendar of Events in Columbus:
<http://www.osu.edu/students/sif/calendar.html>
* Student International Forum: <http://www.osu.edu/students/sif/>
* Committee for Justice in Palestine: <http://www.osudivest.org/>
* Al-Awda-Ohio: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Al-Awda-Ohio>
* Solidarity: <http://solidarity.igc.org/>