By Jamillah Abdullah

It has been said that human expression lives within artistic expression, enabling artwork to function as a window to another culture. As realized by the Pacific Asian American Month (“PAAM”) Cultural Night, the artistic accomplishments on display on May 28, 2008 at the Bain Center in Howard County proved its case in point in promoting the beauty of cultural tolerance through the arts, whether it may be visual or verbal. The event took place at the Bain Center in Columbia, Maryland and was hosted by the Governor’s Office and Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. It was the first cultural exhibition of its kind to celebrate PAAM in Howard County.

Local dancers, sculptors, calligraphers, painters and other artisans gathered to celebrate the myriad of cultural identities of the larger Asian community in recognition of Pacific Asian American Month (PAAM). Through the efforts of Alfreda Gill, the Outreach Coordinator for the Governor’s Office of Asian Pacific American Affairs, a range of local artists were able to showcase their artwork at The Bain Center Event.

Ms Gill had solicited the participation of the Muslim Women in the Arts (“MWIA”), of which is a member, as a means to, “bring about the talents and opportunities that Asians have in Maryland,” and build bridges between the various communities of Asian Pacific and Middle East heritage. “We were so excited to be a part of the event,” says Siham Eldadah, MWIA’s founder. “We value this partnership and bond that we hoped would bring the best of success in representing the richness of [the] cultural background of these communities.”

The evening was set aglow with the pearlescent calligraphic paintings by Shela Qamar and jewelry by Mawadda Al-Aswadi and Jamillah Abdullah; all three are members of Muslim Women in the Arts (MWIA). Al-Aswadi surprised her fellow MWIA members by exhibiting a new line of beaded necklaces. Using natural materials, such as lava rock, mother-of-pearl and various colors of turquoise, her work reflected the semi-abstract, asymmetrical spirit of her previous line of silver rings.

Razia Mateen showcased her array of hand-thrown pottery, sculpted in the style of ancient Chinese craftsmen. Mateen has arrived at a stage in her ceramics career that speaks volumes about her personality. Simplicity, elegance and humility characterize the serenity of her vases.

Beside the center stage, Karma Shaath displayed her sun-drenched landscapes of Arabian cities. Her paintings recall abandoned ruins built from mud bricks that still linger on the coast of the Red Sea.

The painted silk scarves and embroidered clothing by designer, Bano Makhdoom, captured the traditional Pakistani flavor with a modern twist. Nighat Ahmad presented handmade treasures from Pakistan that would have sparked cultural dialogue, including colorful dolls dressed in bespangled saris. Professor Huda Totonji, gave a digital presentation on the origins and styles of the Islamic calligraphy.

The poetry reading by MWIA artist Samar Najia was written and performed in honor of her Arab heritage. My Palestinian Mother commemorated the anniversary of the Palestinian refugees’ exodus from their homeland. Najia’s endearing message appealed to the PAAM guests, many of whom were refugees themselves. My Palestinian Mother recalls the families immigrants leave behind – the mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers in countries separated by oceans, but, “still connected by the telephone lines to which my grandmother was resigned.”

The last performance of the evening was the stunning “Peacock Dance”, elegantly performed by Chinese American, Kathy Liu. Her arms imitating the fluid movements of a peacock, her sparkling gown twirling as she floated across the stage, and with the stars and stripes of the American flag hanging behind her, she was a stunning finale to “Reflections of Asian Art and Culture.”

By Jamillah Abdullah- jewelry designer and active member of MWIA.