Trees of Hope: Celebrating the Olive Harvest

ART – MUSIC – CULTURE

Exhibition
13 November – 23 December 2004

 

Trees of Hope:
Celebrating the Olive Harvest


paintings by

Bud Hensgen

 

“Trees of Hope: Celebrating the Olive Harvest” was a festive celebration of the role that the olive harvest plays in the traditional society and economy of Palestinians. At the exhibit’s opening, Palestinian master carver Nimir Rishmawi demonstrated for the first time in the U.S. the artistry of olive wood carving as it is done in Bethlehem. Guests experienced the significance of the harvest through a documentary film and photo exhibit, and enjoyed free tastings of authentic Palestinian olive oil and olives. Traditional Middle Eastern desserts were served, and traditional Palestinian crafts, olive oil, olive soap, olive wood carvings, and various Middle Eastern cook books and music CDs were available for purchase throughout the evening. The event was co-sponsored with Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies.