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FEATURING...
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The Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order of America |
We are pleaased to have with us this year the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order of America. The Mevlevi Order of America is a Sufi order known for their practice of whirling as part of dhikr, or "remembrance of God" and was founded by the followers of Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi, the famous 13th century Persian poet. These "Whirling Dervishes" are known formally as semazens,or those who take part in a Sema, which is a formal religious ceremony.
At Emory MSA's Art Gala 2010, our theme of "Light Upon Light: The All-Knowing and the Search for the Human Spirit" embraces the practices of the Mevlevi Order. These dedicated people will come to Emory for the purpose of allowing regular people to see and even take part in their incredible ceremony.
Perhaps one of the most delightful parts of this event will be a visit from the sheikh, or grandmaster of their order, Poshneshin Jelaleddin Loras. He will be conducting a very special ceremony that he himself created and we are honored to have him as well as his semazens.
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Jan Levin |
Taken from official website:
When Jan Levin moved to Atlanta in 1993, it was the seventh state she called home. The Chicago native has been able to see “up close” the beauty of the mountains of Colorado, the prairies and wheat fields of Kansas, the vast expanse of Texas, the white beaches of Florida and low country of South Carolina, and the red clay of Georgia.
She has had a lifelong love of observing the beauty found in nature, but does not limit her painting to any one particular subject. Her passion in painting is studying the way light affects and enhances color and texture.
Jan, who works mostly with oils and pastels, also creates pottery. A lifelong musician, she has sung and played her songs for people across the US all the way to those in Africa. Please inquire about her art for sale. Jan is currently taking commissions.
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Hamida Madhani |
Taken from official website:
Hamida Madhani is a Georgia based digital artist, graphic designer, Arabic calligraphy artist, college educator, and an owner of a web development studio . She has been featured in numerous industry publications and has received awards for her artwork. She has also been active in community service. For the past few years she has donated several of her art pieces to the Aga Khan Foundation Partnership Walk Silent Auction to help raise funds to support communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia.