"Arbol de la Vida": by Vahé BerberianRecently I attended the opening reception for contemporary Armenian artist Vahé Berberian's latest collection of paintings, "Involuntary Laughter". The visionary abstract expressionist has once again produced a series of thought-provoking paintings.

The title "Involuntary Laughter" might imply entertainment or triviality—a would-be departure from Berberian's style. Armenians, as Berberian has been noted to say, tend towards seriousness. Indeed, many of his earlier paintings have a solemn, dark overtone. In contrast the works in the "Laughter" exhibit are almost effervescent. Did he draw the title from his own life experience as a celebrated monologuist and comedian in the Armenian language?

At one time another most of these comedic characters have landed laughs as members of the Sultans of Satire, and Maz Jobrani headlined the world-famous "Axis of Evil Comedy Tour" with his buddies Ahmed Ahmed and Aron Kader (all three have been cultural ambassadors for the Levantine Center). Now Angela Tsarouchas, the great Greek comedian who moved to L.A. from Canada, headlines with Maz and Frank Spadone, while the show is hosted by the devilishly irreverent Ara Basil, with guest appearances by Noel Elgrably and Kira Soltanqvich.

a creative writing workshop

Levantine Cultural Center & The Writing Studio present Writing for Peace: War, Peace & the Path to Freedom. This workshop in creative writing with Elana Golden is for new and experienced writers—limited to 10 participants.

Turning wounds into literature is an act of self-preservation, self-discovery—a journey toward personal and global healing and peace. Elana Golden is a Los Angeles writer and teacher who works and corresponds with Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. She has taught creative writing at Levantine Cultural Center for  the past two years. She has worked with new and established writers from many countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Pakistan, Egypt and the United States.

Whether among nations, classes or families, the workshop provides a peaceful, respectful and inspiring space in which to write stories born of war, conflict or occupation. The skills of creative writing will be taught and explored, as well as effective methods to put aside the critical mind.

Decadent dark chocolate trufflesThis high-energy, decadent-tasting dessert is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. By replacing processed sugar with maple syrup and using all organic ingredients, this natural Middle Eastern treat gets even healthier. Thanks to the food processor and refrigerator, this time-honored delicacy is a snap to make.

Anush ellah! ("May it be sweet!" Armenian)

"How We Live" Is in Sebastião Salgado Tradition of Documentary Photography

Reviewed by Nairi Varteressian

In the context of the "How We Live" exhibition, Sara Anjargolian's photographs demonstrate the validity of the old axiom "a picture is worth a thousand words"—particularly thanks to the sheer audacity of the show's curator and designer, Narineh Mirzaeian. An architect by training who works as a project manager with Frank Gehry, Mizraeian insisted that the images be blown up and printed on large hanging fabrics, and lighted in such a way that the viewer cannot disengage from the striking imagery, but connects with the larger-than-life people in Anjargolian's narrative. The double-sided "posters" are made of fabric that hang from black ropes attached to the warehouse beams. Viewers walk in circles and feel as if they are entering the living rooms of the poor, rather than remaining detached by staring at two-dimensional photographs on a gallery wall.

"How We Live" Exhibit Uses Innovative DesignA photographer and attorney, Anjargolian was commissioned by the Tufenkian Foundation to capture the daily struggles of Armenians. Over 40 large prints of her work were displayed during the "How We Live" exhibit opening/fundraiser that took place on March 26th and 27th at Casitas Studios in Atwater Village. The exhibit included nine families living in extreme poverty in the villages of Geghard, Getap, Nubarashen, Arinch, Vanadzor, the outskirts of Etchmiadzin and even the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. A short documentary showed Anjarolian interviewing some of her subjects in Armenian, with English subtitles. Visit howwelive.org.

From Maria Gueriera

Reviewed by Afsaneh Ashley Tabaddor

What does it mean to be "White" in America today?