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The leadership of the IWAE comes from three outstanding professional artists, each accomplished and well-known in their own fields. Ms. Jan Ross, Ms. Jamil Malak, and Ms. Lamia Talabani each offer more than 20 years of artistic and administrative experience in the visual arts in disciplines such as drawing, sculpting, watercolors, oils, acrylics, and fashion design. Their works have been exhibited around the world, while they have also served as guest lecturers and instructors in Universities. Local women artists and professionals in Baghdad will also volunteer their time to conduct workshops, teaching practical visual art techniques using donated art materials, supplies, and equipment provided by the IWAE. In addition to the "Virtual Galleries" presented on this web site, these leaders will facilitate a communications forum among Iraqi women and women in the United States as well as establish a "sister city" concept among US and Iraqi art associations.
Jan Ross - Professional Artist is the Executive Director
of the IWAE. She has 20+ years of experience as an award winning and nationally recognized watercolorist. Her works
have been exhibited in more than 25 states in the US and several foreign countries. Jan attended the Chicago Academy
of Fine Art in Chicago, Illinois and has served as an officer and board member of the Atlanta Artist Center (ACC), the Georgia
Watercolor Society, the Fine Arts Society of Kennesaw, and the Cobb County Art League. Jan has achieved "Signature
Membership" or "Member of Excellence" in Watercolor Associations and Societies in Georgia, Missouri, and
Colorado. Her works have been published incuding books, magazines, and newsletters, while Jan is currently working
on a book project of her own called "Faces of the Middle East". Ms. Ross leads the efforts of fund-raising to secure financial support and
acquisition of materials and supplies for the IWAE, while managing the "Virtual Gallery" and communications opportunities
among the various art associations.
Jamil Malak- Professional Artist, fashion designer, and TV Producer is
the Founder and Director of the Kahramana Art Association, an organization dedicated to improving artistic skills and elevating
cultural and artistic awareness. Ms. Malak is a Director in the Ministry of Culture and has dedicated her
professional career to the freedom of expression through art. Ms. Malak studied art at the Sorbonne in Paris, while
her works have been exhibited around the world. Ms. Malak is an enthusiastic and active member of the Maison des
Artists Francais, International Scientific Artists Committee, Iraqi International Artists Society, Iraqi Artists
Union, and Iraqi Plastic Art Society. Ms. Malak coordinates the studio operationsns in Baghdad
and also provides instruction and mentoring to the participants.
Lamia Talabani - Professional Artist, is the Founder and Director of the Iraqi Women's Plastic Art Association as well as the Founder and Director if the International Cultural Initiative. Her works have been exhibited in numerous countries around the world. Ms. Talabani studied art at the University of Baghdad and obtained a Master's Degree in Science (MSc) at London University. Ms. Talabani has been a guest lecturer in art at universities in Iraq, Libya, Jordan, and Morocco and provides mentoring and instruction to the participants.
Kahramana Arts Association (KAA) [ Under Construction ] Iraqi Women's Plastic Arts Association (IWPAA) [
Under Construction ]
Atlanta Artists Center (AAC) Founded in 1954, the Atlanta Artists Center & Gallery is the oldest continuing artists organization in the Atlanta area. With over 450 members from 10 metro Atlanta counties, we’ve become the largest all volunteer, non-profit (501c3) fine art organization in the Southeast.Our mission is twofold: to support the growth of our members as artists; and to enhance visual arts in communities through outreach programs that include education, exhibitions and special programming. For over 30 years, we’ve owned and maintained our own facility. We host sketch groups, workshops, demonstrations and monthly member meetings. AAC members are a very diverse group. Born in over 20 countries, we represent almost all income levels and ethnic backgrounds.
The ACC has a "sister city" relationship with the KAA and the IWPAA and will exhibit art works by its women members of the association.
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