[IMC] Press Release/PSA: Art @ the Y Opening Reception of "Garden of Verses"

[Megan Flowers]

[image: Mail]

University YMCA-UIUC
1001 S. Wright St., Champaign
www.universityymca.org

* *

 PRESS RELEASE/ PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Please publicize exhibition period February 28, 2013– April 7, 2013



*Art @ the Y announces the opening of Salam Arastu’s ‘Garden of Verses’*



*What:* The University YMCA announces the opening reception for the new art
exhibition, ‘Garden of Verses’ by Salma Arastu. All art viewing is free to
the public and all are encouraged to attend.



*When:* Thursday February 28th, viewing begins at 6:30pm.



*Where: *Murphy Gallery at the University YMCA


*Bio:* Salma Arastu was born in Rajasthan, India and graduated from MS
University in Baroda, India with a Masters degree in Fine Arts. Salma has
moved past many adversities in her life, one being a birth defect where Ms.
Arastu was given the life-defining challenge of a left hand without
fingers.  Salma was able to move past this obstacle and has done almost 40
solo shows, won several awards including East Bay Community’s fund for
artists in 2012, three works in public places and two books published with
her poems and paintings.

She has been invited to Germany twice, first on artist residency in 2000
and In 2011, Westphalia Wilhelm University in Münster, Germany invited to
publish her paper “Art Informed by Spirituality” in the publication on the
International Symposium: ‘God Loves Beauty: Post Modern Views on Religion
and Art.’


*Details:* Salma Arastu’s ‘Garden of Verses’ focuses on spiritual
connection and expression of the Universal. Her art includes Arabic
calligraphy that symbolizes love, diversity, unity and compassion from the
Quran to the people of the world. “Garden of Verses” will be on view
throughout the Friday Forum *Faith in Action* lecture series as well as the
*Illinois Conference on Interfaith Collaboration.*  Learn more about these
interfaith collaborations at www.universityymca.org/art/upcoming.  The
exhibit will run weekdays from 9am to 9pm from February 28th through April 7
th in Murphy Gallery at the University YMCA.



*Background: *Some of the most profound insight, critique, and creative
thinking around issues which comprise the mission of the Y happen in and
around the arts.  Art @ the Y seeks to engage issues of social justice,
international understanding, environmental activism, faith and cultural
understanding through quality arts programming. **



*Sponsors:* Intercultural Friendship Foundation (RSO), the center for South
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Diversity and Social Justice Education,
World Harvest International and Gourmet Foods, and the Niagara Foundation.



Attached is the ‘Art @ the Y’ Postcard: ‘Garden of Verses’

* *

*Contact:* *Ann Rasmus, Program Director*

*[**217-337-1514* <217-337-1514>*,
**ann at universityymca.org*<ann at universityymca.org>
*]*
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