Regional
USA & Canada
On Friday, August 9, 2024, Elise Youssoufian presented a breathtaking collection of fine Armenian needle lace at Lacis Museum in Berkeley.
The exquisite art-form of Armenian needlelace is a tradition steeped in knowledge and skill and is an ancestral treasure that spans generations and reaches us today with all its beauty. Youssoufian, a master needle worker herself, was surprised to find Armenian needle lace pieces in the archives of the Lacis Museum Collection. She was encouraged by the museum manager and owners to curate an exhibit of select pieces. With the help of the museum volunteers, the needle lace works have been beautifully displayed with detailed information on the origin of the pieces. On August 9, a crowd of Armenians and non-Armenians gathered at the Lacis Museum in Berkeley for the opening of the exhibit. The exhibit space encouraged attendees to gather around the pieces, admiring the fine artwork and pondering the story of the creator’s journey from homeland to America. Were those pieces brought as mementos, or created anew in the fine tradition of Armenian needlelace?
We pay tribute to our tenacious great-grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, aunts and friends to prove that many years later artwork in any shape or form always helps us understand and cherish our past.
Youssoufian says, “As strong as it is delicate, Armenian needlelace is among humanity’s oldest and most intricate forms of needlework, evoking mountains and rainbows of home.”
The attendee’s enjoyed La Mediterranee’s gourmet food served with Armenian wine.
They parted late in the night, their hearts and souls filled with revived hope and appreciation of the story of their people.
The event was sponsored by Hamazkayin SF Nigol Aghpalian Chapter
The exhibit tours are open by appointment: Monday, Friday and some Saturdays.
Join Elise Youssoufian Armenian Needlelace Classes: info@lacismuseum.org or call 510-843-7290
