On May 19, the first Art Expo exposition was held in Armenia at the Hay-Art Cultural Center in Yerevan. The event was held at the initiative of Hay-Art Cultural Center and Vartkes Khakhamian Buzand Individual Entrepreneur and with the support of the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan delivered opening remarks in which she greeted the gathered and particularly mentioned the following: “Today we are all witnessing and participating in an unprecedented cultural event. The exhibition showcasing works by nearly 50 Armenian and foreign painters provides art lovers with the opportunity to engage in a cultural dialogue in many languages. Today we are laying the foundation for cultural partnership between the Homeland and the Diaspora that is one of a kind, and I think it will be ongoing and will provide Diaspora Armenians with the opportunity to showcase their works in the Homeland, establish contacts with painters, artists and art lovers in Armenia and abroad, as well as receive the spirit from the Homeland and achieve more success.”

The minister especially appreciated the contributions made by the organizers of Art Expo, including Rita Sharoyan and Vartkes Khakhamian, who contribute to the dissemination and development of Armenian culture through their activities.

The exhibition showcased more than 130 paintings by Raffi Yuredjian, Alex Taverdi (UK), Arpa Hagopian, Shakeh Amirian (Iran), Adrineh Gregorian (USA), Vartkes Khakhamian (Lebanon), Naira Chilingaryan (Germany), as well as other painters.

“I’m happy for the opening of such an exclusive exhibition at Hay-Art Cultural Center, which has brought together numerous painters living in Armenia and abroad. This exhibition serves as the best way to exchange experiences and get to know each other,” Director of Hay-Art Cultural Center Rita Sharoyan particularly mentioned in her welcome speech.

Among other speakers were Vartkes Khakhamian and several painters participating in the exhibition.

The event included musical performances by Tatev Sasunyan and David Geghamyan.

The exhibition will run until May 29.