Celebrating Nowruz with art and fashion at Mingei International Museum

The Mingei International Museum celebrated Nowruz the Persian New Year on Monday, March 18. It is always the first day of spring and guests are there to show their gratitude to Mother Nature. Sadry Hedayat, who is the founder of the Persian Place, organized this event. The executive director and chief executive officer of the Mingei International Museum, Jessica Hanson York, was there to welcome the crowd.

The evening began with a marketplace that was represented by women artists all with different cultural backgrounds. Booths were set up selling pottery, jewelry, artwork, soy candles, and upcycled clothing. The Aleph Baking Studio handed out scrumptious Persian pastries for sampling. Rojina Badakhshan modeled a stunning design created by Hengameh Kashef and embellished with mirrors by Shirin Aghdale.

The second portion of the program began with flute playing and meditation using several singing bowls. Dancers Lucia Herlinda and Tamami Shirazi from the Gheesu Dance ensemble performed for the audience. Rojina also performed a Persian dance number for the crowd. Music was performed by singer Natasha Ghobadi and pianist and accordionist Sasoon. A proclamation was written by the office of County Supervisor Nora Vargas, which was presented to Persian Place by Mikayle Lowery, the community representative.

The evening also had a reception for the exhibition inspired by Shahnameh by seven international female artists. During the program, the female artists each discussed their pieces of artwork. They were Shirin Aghdale who created 15 mirror works for the exhibition, Sara Soleimani Qashqai who is an amazing traditional needlework artist, Mary Ornish a talented San Diego textile artist, and Yasaman Mostajeran skillfully created the calligraphy. Sasah Furlan is a glass painter and creates Persian miniatures, and Melissa Meier constructed the Rose Bud dress and headpiece, which was modeled by India.

Following the performances, the guests had more fun shopping and were served delicious food created by chef Edith. She served Aash Reshteh (Persian noodle soup) and Noon Berenji (Persian rice cookies). The exhibition “Epic Expressions: Shahnameh by Seven Female Artists” will be there to view until May 31. The Mingei International Museum has many more events and classes coming up. For more information, visit https://mingei.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Through April 27: “A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard” – featuring the art of the fiber artist Mary Ornish at the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House (gaslampfoundation.org/visit) and the Vila Montezuma Museum (villamontezumamuseum.org). Check websites for days and hours.

Thursday, April 11 – Fashion Redux 2024 at the San Diego History Center from 6-8 p.m. This is an annual design competition from students at the San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program. RSVP at https://sandiegohistory.org/event/exhibition-opening-fashion-redux-2024/.

Friday, April 19 – 32nd annual luncheon and fashion show fundraiser to benefit the Vista Hill Foundation, presented by Gretchen Productions at the T&C Hotel. For info: 858-449-8060.

Saturday, April 20 – Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase 2024 at the University Club Downtown. For tickets, visit https://fashionweeksd.ticketsauce.com/.

Sunday, April 28 – Bridal Bazaar with two fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more info: 760-334-5500.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher, and Blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.