Association of Emory Muslim Alumni

5th Annual MSA Art Gala (2/21/09) gets rave reviews!

For the past five years, the Muslim Student Association has put on the Art Gala during the month of Islam Awareness Month in the Spring. The event has been conducted by the Muslim Student Association in order to showcase the beauty of Islam, a side that is often ignored by the media. The average American fears Islam and the MSA felt that it was its duty to dispel that fear and ignorance and to communicate via artistic expression. This art show has featured a variety of aesthetic expressions with Islamic themes from all over world, including artwork by local artists, faculty, and students. This year we are we are taking a different approach and extending invitations to other groups on campus to bring forth even more diverse, and culturally rich pieces of art. In 2009, the Art Gala was grander and more exquisite than ever before! A few of the groups that agreed to cosponsor the event were: the Chinese Student Association, Students in Alliance for Asian American Concerns, UNICEF, and the Photo Club.

The following artists were showcased: Mr. Haji Noor Deen from China (http://www.hajinoordeen.com/), Mr. Peter Gould from Australia (http://www.azaan.com.au/l), and Miss Kelly Izdihar Crosby (http://izzymo.myshopify.com/) from Dubai, as well as local Atlanta artists.

One reporter described what he saw as “simple and stunning masterpieces” which displayed how Islam had inspired these artists.  To learn more about the gala, please visit their www.emoryartgala.com.