Senses Cultural’s exhibition, Enduring Power: The Middle Eastern and Iranian Woman’s Story, opened at UC Davis’ Buehler Alumni Center on Oct 15th, 2014. The Alumni Center has provided a beautiful home for these 44 photographs, and Senses is deeply grateful to the University for their generosity and great reception.
The UC Davis Alumni Center is open to all students and campus guests, and averages about 300-400 visitors a day. According to Jennifer Thayer, the Assistant Director of programs at the Alumni Center, the center is particularly busy during October and November due to two family weekends and the natural energy of campus activities during the fall semester. Ms. Thayer specifically noted that during parent’s weekend, many families stopped for long periods of time to view the exhibition thoroughly, reading each description and story that corresponded to each photographer’s work. She further expressed that professors, students and families alike were very impressed with the caliber of Enduring Power.
Ms Thayer noted that she sees many exhibitions at the Center, and felt that this collection created a high level of self-reflection and perspective amongst viewers. Senses could not be more pleased with that report, and is grateful that the Alumni Center provided this wonderfully receptive environment for exhibiting this work. Part of Senses Cultural’s mission is to foster understanding through sharing of ideas and arts across the globe, and to create events that expose an artists’ creative work beyond the borders of their home country. It is clear that UC Davis and the Cal Aggie Alumni Association understands the importance of displaying these images in Northern California, exposing viewers to the struggles, desires, achievements and hopes of the Middle Eastern and Iranian woman.
The support from the Cal Aggie Alumni Association and Iranian Alumni Association was integral in creating this exhibition. We appreciate the support of Dr Reza Mahdavi, member of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association and the president of the Iranian Alumni Association, for his assistance in bringing it to the Buehler Alumni Center. Dr. Mahdavi surely recognizes the importance of sharing the Iranian and Middle Eastern Woman’s perspective.
Thank you to Chancellor Linda PB Katehi, Vice Chancellor Richard Engel and all current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, for opening your Alumni Center to us and for supporting our exhibition. UC Davis is, without a doubt, fostering the next generation of great thinkers and world changers. We were humbled by the thoughtful discussions that resulted among your board members and alumni during our keynote, and are confident that the same caliber of conversation continues amongst your students.
Finally, we appreciate the professional and helpful staff of the Buehler Center, but especially of Jennifer Thayer, the Assistant Director of Programs, who assisted greatly in coordinating the preparation of this exhibition.
As Enduring Power comes to a close on Nov 30th at this location, Senses Cultural acknowledges that UC Davis and the Buehler Alumni Center has been a vital part in building this exhibition. A wonderful and generous host location, we sincerely thank the faculty, staff, students, administrators, and friends of this campus for their participation and support.
With appreciation and fondness,
Silvana Gargione, Senses Cultural Blogger
