Highlights of 2005 AnARt Activities

March-April
Two NY designers went to Kilis-Mardin-Gaziantep on expenses paid basis and created 12 new products for the artisans groups at CATOM centers set up by the GAP administration. Jackets and cushion covers made with the regional traditional fabric of Gaziantep (kutnu) were a hit during test marketing in the US.


Kilis CATOM artisans making cushion covers.

June
Implemented a micro-enterprise management training at Samsun for low income women for Toplum Gonulluleri Foundation




Training program was made possible in part by a grant from the Turkish Cultural Foundation.

July
Invited to Santa Fe Folk Art Market and sponsored two artists from Turkey . A ceramic artist – Meliha Coskun from Bursa & a felt master from Konya – Mehmet Girgic. Nearly twenty thousand people visited the Folk Art Market and works by Mehmet and Meliha generated a lot of interest. Both artists managed to market their products and interact with visitors directly. They also took part in the two day UNESCO workshop to learn about international marketing, shipping, and documentation procedures.







September 15
Organized a conference by prominent folklorist Dr. Henry Glassie on Turkish Traditional Art at the World Bank followed by a reception and an exhibition and sale to raise awareness about Turkish arts and culture.



Sept 28-Oct.4
Organized a Turkish Week at the Cornell University with an exhibition and sale of Turkish arts and crafts, a conference by Dr. Nurhan Atasoy, a reading by Elif Safak, Turkish films, folk dances and discussion panels.


Dr. Nurhan Atasoy in front of the replica of an Ottoman imperial tent that she designed for Anatolian Artisans.


Yildiz Yagci is doing a presentation about Anatolian Artisans programs at the GAP region and showing various products that were produced by low income groups in the region.


Dr. Charlotte Jirousek of Cornell University, Yildiz Yagci and Mine Sabuncuoglu of AnARt with Turkish and American students who volunteered to make the event successful.

October 10-17
Implemented an entrepreneurship and micro-business management training of trainers course for university students at Samsun for Toplum Gonulluleri Foundation. The trainers in turn will train grassroots groups throughout Turkey.

The training program was made possible in part by a grant from the Turkish Cultural Foundation.


Oct.28-Jan.28
Supplied Smithsonian Freer/Sackler Gallery Gift Stores cultural products to be sold in connection with the Style & Status – Ottoman Imperial Kaftans from Topkapi Palace Exhibition.



T-Shirts with “cintemani” design from Ottoman kaftans. Meershaum pill boxes.


Silver plated products with Sultan’s monogram and motifs from the kaftans.


Table runners and throws made by custom made Ottoman fabric by Hamzagil.

Nov.12-14
University of Pittsburg – A two day event of exhibition and sale of Turkish arts and crafts in connection with the unveiling of the Turkish conference room at the university.