Tibbits Offers Calligraphy Workshop

Calligraphy meaning Soul – Other designs and information on Nihad Dukhan available at http://www.invisiblebooks.com/dukhan.htm <http://www.invisiblebooks.com/dukhan.htm>

Contact: Tammy Barnes, 517-278-6029

COLDWATER –

Adults and teens will have a chance to participate in a unique cultural program this fall when Tibbits hosts an Arabic calligraphy workshop series on Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 from 1-4PM. The workshops are open to adults and students age 12-17 for a registration fee of $5.

Instructor, Nihad Dukhan is a Palestinian who grew up in Gaza and has been extensively trained in the classical styles of Arabic calligraphy. Dr. Dukhan became a master of Arabic calligraphy by receiving his Ijazah from Istanbul’s master calligrapher Hasan Celebi and from master Mohamed Zakariya. With over 20 years of study and practice, his work has been exhibited in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco.

Each of the two sessions is three hours in length and students can expect to walk away with some knowledge of calligraphy- its history, techniques, significance (cultural and Islamic) as well as one-on-one instruction from Dr. Dukhan who will supply students with ink, pens, papers and lesson sheets.

Arabic calligraphy is the most typical expression of the Islamic spirit. The different classical styles of the Arabic letters offer unlimited possibilities to the artist. A few of Dukhan’s original designs will be shown as examples. The intent of the workshops in Coldwater is to cross barriers while learning about other languages and cultures.

For more information or to register for the calligraphy workshops please contact Tammy Barnes at 517-278-6029 or email boxoffice@tibbits.org. Space is limited to twenty registrants and efforts will be made to attract diverse participants to the series.

Funding for this program comes from a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council (MHC) through its Heritage Grants program. Heritage Grants support projects that bring the authentic voices of cultural identity groups to the foreground. The program strives to help the people of Michigan understand cultural differences by sharing local stories about race and cultural history.

In Coldwater, Tibbits is partnering with area schools, service organizations and the Arab American community to offer a series of presentations, workshops, and exhibits aimed at fostering conversations about the history and culture of the Arab American community.

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