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| Cascade building which houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Yerevan, Armenia |
It’s never too late to take in beauty and realize the
talents of others in this world. The
occasion occurred this past weekend for David and me when we were in Yerevan
with a few hours of unscheduled time to spend.
We chose to visit the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, a breathtaking
structure housed within the Cascade, a building conceived by Armenian
architect, Alexander Tamanyan . Deterioration of the building took place during
the years of economic struggle in Armenia, but in 2002, Mr. Gerard Cafesjian
established the Cafesjian Museum Foundation which restored the Cascade and is
now continuing to transform it into one of the world’s preeminent centers for
the arts. During our cultural training
for the Peace Corps in 2011, David and I visited the Cascade and its outdoor
gardens. We witnessed the artistry of Armenian dancers who first displayed then
taught their native dance routines to tourists and locals alike. Here during
our first summer in Armenia, we were introduced to the beauty of native Armenian
dress and culturally distinct footwork and music. We, along with many other Peace Corps
volunteers and casual participants, joined in the lines and circles of novice
dancers and tried our hand at some of these dances even though we stumbled and
ended up laughing our way to the sidelines, out of breath and totally confused
with the intricacies of our new country’s complex choreography.
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| Tower of exquisite Swarovski crystals |
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| Glass piece which changes colors as one views it |
Today we did not see
this type of display of Armenian’s performing art but would, instead, see the
art work of glass artists and contemporary creators from various countries
including our own, and we viewed depictions of history and historical figures
of which we’ve read much. Armenian
historical figures such as Tumanyan, Mashtots, and others, were portrayed in
massive murals and stone statues.
Alongside them were contemporary creations of stunning Swarovski crystal
and murano glass. Above our heads were
the breathtaking glass flowers of Dale Chihuly, and greeting us in the first
gallery was a wall of these exquisite creations projecting their colorful beauty
upon us. Having seen similar displays
in Las Vegas on the ceiling of the Bellagio Casino made this opportunity to
view Chihuly’s work up close even more impressive.
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| Stunning crystal art piece at Cafesjian Center for the Arts |
As we proceeded from floor to floor, indoors and out, and
viewing each level’s galleries, we were impressed with the professionalism in
which the museum was both arranged and managed. Nowhere in this country have we seen quite
the level of attention to detail and eclectic display of fine works of contemporary
art intermingled with historic presentations. Impressive ,too, is the fact that
the majority of exhibitions presented in the Cafesjian Center for the Arts are
derived from the private collection of its main benefactor, Mr. Gerard Cafesjian The offerings themselves mirrored the diverse mix of viewers and art enthusiasts.. In our
presence were young couples spending an unseasonably warm February afternoon
with a loved one, to young children being introduced to a new visual experience,
to older patrons individually and
jointly absorbing the beauty before them. Inside and outside offered visual
stimulation as we viewed the wide spectrum of man’s creative efforts in an
Armenian garden setting overlooking the city we have grown to enjoy. Here in Yerevan one can become refreshed and
gain a different perspective of a country in which our day- to- day work is oft
times frustrating and seemingly non-productive. Here we can become re-charged,
have a chance to contemplate new approaches to our daily work, and return to
our work ready to try something different or attempt to re-direct our energies
in a more efficient way for the limited time we have left as Peace Corps
volunteers. Spending time in such a setting frees ones’ thoughts thus allowing
refocus and some measure of change in direction. Clearing the cob webs and
constant thoughts of challenge and hurdles ahead promotes improved mental
health and a renewed desire to be a better volunteer.
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| David viewing the city of Yerevan, Armenia from atop the Cascade |
As we step outside the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, we are at the summit of
the Cascade where hazy but breath-taking
views of the entire city may be enjoyed. From this vantage point one realizes a panoramic look at Yerevan which will be even more inspiring in the
spring when the gardens begin to green- up and the decorative, stone fountains
are flowing with water again. Randomly
situated below us are the sculptures and whimsical, sometimes controversial art
pieces provided by traveling exhibions or Mr. Cafesjian’s own collection.. They
are strategically interspersed among historic statues of Armenian intellectual
figures in the country’s history.
People are wandering leisurely about the area which is bordered on each
side by shops and restaurants. Overlooking the park-like setting are apartments
and offices with to-die-for views before them. One can only imagine the
maneuvering involved as occupants of those buildings vie for offices and
bedrooms facing this oasis within the city. It is a place to come for respite,
relaxation, and beauty. It is a place in which one seeks a view from above or a
park bench on the ground level.
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| Famous Armenian historical figure, Tamanyan, greets visitors to the Cascade |
Though we’ve known of the Cafesjian area for much of our
time in Armenia, we’ve never had the time or made the effort to explore it, aside
from the dance experience mentioned above.
Fortunately, we followed the lead of others who suggested such a
visit. It is never too late to seek
beauty and to enjoy it with a loved one, David.
We’ll continue the exploration of
this jewel within the city of Yerevan as we look to expand our horizons through
concert attendance within the same building.
What better way to further learn about a country of which we knew little
2 years ago, than to spend quality time experiencing its cultural
treasures.
May each of you discover a place of beauty in your city
where you may gain respite and a change of perspective. It is never too late. Judy
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