Mery Kisibekyan, a first-year student from the Department of Art Studies, YSU Faculty of History, presented Armenian culture and the works of national artists at Strasbourg Christmas market.
For the first time, Armenia took part in the European-famous Strasbourg Christmas market. The project was implemented by the initiative of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, with the cooperation of the Permanent Representation of Armenia to the Council of Europe and the coordination of the Museum of Folk Art named after Hovhannes Sharambeyan.
Along with studying, Mery Kisibekyan works as a researcher at the Museum of Folk Art named after Hovhannes Sharambeyan.
"My work is closely related to my profession, and I practically apply the knowledge I received at YSU in the museum. My knowledge provided me the opportunity to present our art and culture to the international community in the best way possible," said the student from the Department of Art Studies.
Alongside the culture of different countries, around 400 handicrafts of more than 60 Armenian modern artists were presented at the exhibition in Strasbourg. The artists preserved the traditions of folk arts and crafts in their works. "At the booth, we presented Armenian folk arts and crafts, including carpet weaving, embroidery, woodworking and doll making, due to which tourists got acquainted with the Armenian culture. The visitor flows to Strasbourg were very high. Not only French people approached our booth, but also tourists from different countries. They were extremely interested in Armenian culture," said Mery Kisibekyan.
Referring to the Armenian artists’ works presented at the exhibition, the student noted that everything was unique for the tourists at the Armenian booth. "Visitors showed great interest in the image of Kaghand Pap (Christmas Grandfather or Armenian Santa Claus), traditional Armenian bird-shaped salt bowls, wooden daghdghan (or wooden amulet) and other exhibits reflecting national uniqueness."
Strasbourg Christmas market was held in December.
It is noteworthy that thanks to the cooperation between YSU and the Museum of Folk Art named after Hovhannes Sharambeyan, YSU students are provided with the opportunity to have educational practice in the museum.
Nara Martirosyan
