Transcending language and cultural barriers

Opening Night Celebration April 7

Exhibit April 8 - April 23

Art transcends language and cultural barriers; it has the power to connect people by revealing their similarities and shared humanity, thereby transforming prejudice into understanding.

Persia (Iran) is an extraordinary land with a deep cultural history that evokes different feelings in different people. Those who focus on its history and art, and those who might only associate Iran with its none-too-appealing political image gleaned from the media or the extreme vicissitude of trying to revolt against an oppressive regime.

This exhibition celebrates the cultural side of Iran and focuses on its distinctive art and imagery from the past and present. It intends to showcase a compelling sampling of the scope and range of Persian art and artists that helps transcend the constraints of ideological and cultural borders.

More than 240 works will be on display, ranging from antique art, artifacts, textiles, ceramic, and photographs, to works by contemporary Iranian artists living in the US and Iran.

If you would like to volunteer at this event, please click here.

curated by shiva pakdel

Exhibition Dates

April 7 - 23, 2023

Wednesday - Sunday

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

No ticket needed for Exhibition

The premise of this show is to bring a spotlight to Iran to counteract the horrifying imagery that we see as a result of its government. The exhibit will include over 240 pieces of art. This large display will include everything from textiles to Persian rugs to ceramics, and photographs, modern art, ancient art, and various artistic objects.

Opening Night Celebration

April 7, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Authentic Persian Faire

• Live Persian Music

• Azari Vineyards Wine

Tickets: SOLD OUT

Join us for the opening night celebration for “Breaking Barriers: The Art of Iran,” on April 7. The event will feature authentic Persian cuisine, live Persian music and Azari Vineyards and Fortunati wines.

The Sounds Of Persia

April 16 , 2023

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

No ticket needed for musical performance: Sponsored by Dr. Alex Kashef and Hanieh Kashef.

In this program, Amir Etemadzadeh and team will explore music from different parts of Iran. Iran is a large, diverse country with many regional ethnic groups living alongside one another. Each of these ethnic groups have developed their own musical instruments and type of music suitable to their environment, culture, and way of life. This performance will highlight some of the most beautiful and exotic instruments and music unique to each region.

No One Knows About Persian Cats

April 20 , 2023

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Tickets

No One Knows About Persian Cats is the fifth feature by award-winning director Bahman Ghobadi, winner of the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the Cannes film festival.

Co-written by imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, the film is an indictment of cultural repression in Iran's exciting underground music scene, a powerful cinematic foreshadowing of current protest movements, and a celebration of an entire generation of Iranians striving towards personal and creative freedom.

Shot in secret and featuring extraordinary performances by real underground bands, NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS follows a pair of young musicians, recently released from prison, on a mission to take their rock band to Europe.

Forbidden by the authorities to play in Iran, they plan their escape abroad with a fast-talking music promoter...

Tickets $15
* comes with free popcorn and gratitude for your support of SCA.

 Confluence of Raga Guitars

April 22 , 2023

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tickets

Join us in the emotion and majesty of North Indian ragas. Matthew Grasso & Joel Veena on guitar, accompanied by William Rossel on Tabla.

Tantrakari guitar and Indian slide guitar duo Matthew Grasso & Joel Veena, play an immersive cascade of strings, resonating in the emotion and majesty of North Indian ragas.

Two artists extensively trained in the oral tradition of north Indian (Hindustani) music, demonstrate their unique instruments and open a door of understanding to the melodic world of ragas. Both guitars feature a myriad of strings and special elements of design that enhance their ability to render Indian music.

Joining the duo is William Rossel - longtime disciple of legendary Tabla Maestro, Padma Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. William is a talented and versatile tabla player, educator, archivist, and musical innovator.

We Thank Our Generous supporters Of This Cultural Event

Food and Beverage Sponsors