Further information in support of sponsorship:

The Christians Together in Alwick, Spitak Project has for several years been supporting people in the earthquake rehabilitation area of north Armenia. The Veratsnund Art School was established by the NGO Family Care to provide therapy and to teach skills to children and young people living in temporary accommodation, built after the earthquake. More recently the emphasis has moved from therapy to training with the establishment in the Art School of two micro businesses, creating textiles and ceramics. The project also supports the missionaries of Charity who run a home for abandoned children in the village and who distribute food, clothing and essential medication to families still living in desperate circumstances. Young people from the orphanage use the facilities of the Art School and one girl is apprenticed to the ceramics group. An average of $10,000 per annum is raised each year by CTinA to help these organisations, and volunteers from Alnick visit annually.

Arsen Asatryan, paralysed in the 1988 Armenian earthquake, has slowly forged a new life for himself as an artist. After seven years of remaining housebound, he was persuaded by his late mother, Margot, to develop his childhood love of art. With the help of Vachik Galstyan he left his house and took lessons and advice at the Family Care Veratsnund Art School in Italian Village, Spitak. He has over the ensuing years, become an accomplished artist. In 2006 he spent two weeks developing his skills with Mick Oxley, culminating in an exhibition at the Art Bridge Gallery in Yerevan, Armenia. He has also sold pictures from exhibitions in Alnwick and London.

Karen Babayan was born in Iran in 1962 of Armenian/British parentage. She moved to the UK in 1978 as a result of the Islamic Revolution and settled in Leeds. Her work explores diasporan Armenian identity formed through external and inherited cultural influences brought about by a history of displacement. The images question the circumstances and history that have shaped her family in its physical and psychological migration over time and space.

Mick Oxley’s paintings reflect the moods, light, textures and spirituality of his Northumbrian location, images inspired by the constantly changing coastal landscape. So, it was a challenge for him to work in Spitak in landlocked Armenia in 2006. Despite the language and mobility difficulties, he found it one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Working with Arsen Asatryan and other young artists, he learned about a people who are dignified, generous and brave in the face of adversity and hardship. Mick thanks York Minster for allowing us to return that friendship.

Further information from:

karen.babayan@ntlworld.com Tel: 0113 2756703

info@mickoxley.com Tel: 01665 571082

Please send cheques payable to:

Christians Together in Alnick, Spitak Project

c/o Jean Darby

Mick Oxley Gallery

17 Haven Hill

Craster

Alnwick

Northumberland NE66 3TR