By Florence Avakian
Special to the Mirror-Spectator
BAYSIDE, N.Y. — Datev Monastery in Goris; Hovhannes Shiraz Museum in Gumri; a Meghri backyard with old wooden houses on stilts; Baalbek Temple in Lebanon; the Bridge of Sighs in Venice; the Empire State Building in New York.
These are a few of the more than 50 unique, delicate and descriptive pen-and-pencil drawings by Yerevan artist Levon Lachikian, which were on display at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Church during a special exhibit and reception on Friday, December 2, sponsored by the Constantinople Armenian Relief Society (CARS). The proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit the Hintlian School in Armenia.
The Hintlian School is a project that was originally initiated by the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) in Istanbul. Since the school no longer exists there, the project having shifted to Armenia where CARS is now sponsoring and funding it, with FAR organizing and managing it. CARS also pays the cost of transporting the children to the school, as well as the daily lunch free of charge to 60 of the most vulnerable students.
In addition, CARS provides scholarships to needy as well as academically able students. Currently, the school has 150 students, and is just two hundred meters from the Azerbaijani border.