YADIGAR "memento": Exhibit of textile arts and handicrafts from SE Anatolia

1260 18th Street,Santa Monica CA 90404

06 May, 2023

Description

This daylong public exhibit will feature vintage textile arts and handicrafts from Southeastern (SE) Anatolia. There will be presentations about the area, and textile arts. This will be followed by a fashion show of 18 outfits of vintage clothing and accessories. The morning program is followed by a lunch offering regional specialities that is included in the full day price SE Anatolia is located at the top of the fertile crescent where agriculture first began, with recent archeological finds pointing to at least 12,000 years of settlements there. Since its origin, this area has been on multiple trade and migration routes, hosting diverse religions, states, empires, all of which contribute to its rich tapestry of cultures, arts and handicrafts. The vintage pieces on display tell the stories that were weaved, threaded or hammered into them. After the devastating earthquake, it has become even more important, and poignant, to preserve and display these vintage pieces and artifacts. Proceeds to benefit the handicraft artisans of Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, which was the region affected by the recent earthquake. The event is presented by Ataturk Cultural Center, a non-profit chapter of the American Turkish Association of Southern California. A full day ticket entitles you to exhibits, presentations, the fashion show and a light lunch of regional specialties. You can stay for the afternoon and take part in the workshops - at an extra cost. A half day ticket admits you anytime after 1 pm until closing time. You have access to exhibits and can take part in the workshops - at an extra cost. There will be regional coffee/tea/sweets offerings during the afternoon. If you can not attend, ( or will attend and want to donate more) you can still donate to eartquake victims through the ticket selections. One of the highlights of the exhibit are the hands-on workshops in the afternoon. There will be four workshops. Felting Workshop:Felt art is one of the earliest techniques of Turkish handicrafts. Felt art came to Anatolia from Central Asia along with other art by the Turks who migrated to the west in the 11th century. As in ancient times, felting is still used today to produce tents (yurts), rugs, shoes, hats, luggage and clothing.Felt is obtained by interlocking animal fibers, especially sheep wool, rabbit wool, camel wool, mohair and goat sheep with heat, moisture, soap, oil, under pressure and also using special needle. Ceramics Workshop: The art of Turkish ceramics has been developed in Anatolia since the earliest ages of the region, and it continues to play a vital role in Turkiye's history and culture. Ceramic production has been a source of income for locals for over 10,000 years, and the use of a special red paste, made from local soil, is crucial in producing high-quality pottery that is extraordinarily strong so the color of most of the pottery products made in the South Eastern part of Turkiye is red like soil. In this 40-minute ceramic workshop session, we will be exploring the unique properties of red terracotta airdry clay and learning how to shape it using the slab building technique. By rolling out the clay and cutting shapes, bending and manipulating the clay, we will create beautiful hamsa hand incense holder that are sure to impress. And that's not all - we will also be painting our creations to add a personalized touch to our artwork. So come join us as we dive into the world of ceramics and discover the endless possibilities of clay! Wood Stamping Workshop: : The event’s theme Yadigâr "memento" is expressed in its dramatic logo. Sometimes a story of many words can simply be expressed with a single motif. The "Yadigâr'' (memento) logo tells the story of years of traditional handicrafts with the overlap of two distinct motifs; the combination of the "Koçbaşı" (the ram’s head) and "Elibelinde" (hands on hips) motifs overlaid in this logo represents the ultimate power and fertility and motherhood, respectively, The intertwined outside square frames of the two motifs make up eight corners. These corners represent Anatolian values of compassion, guidance, patience, secrecy, generosity, loyalty, gratitude and righteousness.