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"Art Washes from the Soul the Dust of Everyday Life." - Pablo Picasso
If a picture is worth a thousand words, Iraqi Women will speak volumes. Our Mission
Our mission is to provide Iraqi women the opportunity to work with various art materials for self-expression, the exploration of their creativity, the joy of learning, and their development of greater self-esteem.
Because art is a universal language, we hope to facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultural differences with women artists of many nationalities.
We also hope to expose participants to award winning artworks created and exhibited by accomplished women artists from other backgrounds.
Our Approach
Encouraged by the initial efforts of SSG Danielle Colson, USACE, deployed in Iraq at Camp Adder, near Nasariah, Jan Ross, a professional artist from the same home town of Kennesaw, GA, launched the Iraqi Womens' Art Exchange (IWAE). The IWAE provides a forum to women in Iraq for the expression of thought, ideas, and experience through art. The IWAE is a non-profit organization established to obtain and sustain support for collecting art supplies, teaching materials, and equipment for use by women in Iraq for their development in the visual arts. With simple beginnings, Danielle arranged an environment for local Iraqi women to gather and learn drawing and painting. Jan has significantly expanded the scope of opportunity for Iraqi women by creating the IWAE in cooperation with the Iraqi Women's Art Association, the Kahramana Arts Association, and the Ministry of Culture in Baghdad. The IWAE strives to arrange and conduct classes and workshops encompassing drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpting, wood carving, embroidery, and other art forms. These classes and workshops provide an opportunity for participants to display their works and share ideas.
Local Iraqi artists and professionals volunteer their time to teach practical techniques using donated art materials, supplies, and equipment. Student participants learn fundamental art principals in a relaxed atmosphere, conducive to artistic experimentation, discussion, and individual creative endeavors. Workshops focus on:
The IWAE relies on donations and financial support from art supply vendors, individual artists, patrons, and other interested organizations.
Our Needs The IWAE is a non-profit corporation registered in the State of Georgia.
The application for 501(c)3 tax exempt status is in process. All donations are 100% devoted to the acquisition
and shipment of materials and supplies, while all administrative and instructional efforts are provided by volunteers.
The IWAE requires contributions of materials and funding to support this endeavor and seeks contributions from individuals,
associations, and commercial organizations. Our needs include:
Please contact us for more information or to arrange your participation in this effort at:
The IWAE is continuously expanding this site to include sections specifically for News and Information, Virtual Exhibitions of Art created by Women in Iraq and the United States, Sharing of Ideas, and Recognition of the many contributors and financial supporters of this effort as we evolve. We look forward to your support.
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