Art Across Borders (AAB) is an exchange with Iraqi and Palestinian artists whose work is being shown in a traveling exhibit touring the U.S. in 2003-2004. This is a unique opportunity for you to see and hear contemporary Middle Eastern artists speak through their art about life in their countries. The artwork fosters a dialog that will expand our community’s consciousness and lead toward meaningful change for the Palestinian and Iraqi people.

The art will be traveling to Seattle April 2004 and can be visited at Retail Therapy, 905 East Pike, Seattle 98122.   For more information phone 206-324-4092.

February 28th "Dance for Peace" Hafla/Party

Be sure to join us for this fun event to celebrate this successful art and cultural exhibit. We'll have live Middle Eastern music by The Brothers of the Baladi, belly dancing by Hasani as well as dance instruction for traditional line and belly dancing.  So come celebrate this community's diversity and help us Dance for Peace!  Read more about the hafla, here.

We will be auctioning a beautiful handmade quilted wall hanging so be sure to purchase your tickets at the gallery before the hafla or at the door during the hafla.  See the wall hanging here.

All proceeds, after expenses, will be donated to The Community Sustaining Fund in Olympia.

A Conversation with Art

Local students (K - college), artists, and all lovers of art are invited to engage in "A Conversation With Art" by visiting the exhibit and making their own artwork in response to their experience. This local art will be displayed alongside the Palestinian and Iraqi artist's work during the final week of the show. Participants may then choose to have their art become a permanent part of the traveling exhibit as it journeys on throughout the country.

Gallery location: 420 B. Franklin Street SE, Olympia, WA