EXHIBIT: Palestinian Cultural Center Holds Exhibition

Colorful shawls, dresses, scarves, and beautiful ceramics adorned the Women Cultural and Social Society in Khaldiya yesterday morning as it welcomed the visitors of the Palestinian Cultural exhibition. The exhibition was inaugurated by the chairperson of the Women Cultural and Social Society Shaikha Al-Nesf, and was attended by handicraft and Palestinian culture lovers.

Faten Abu Ghazaleh, president of the Palestinian Cultural Center explained that the exhibition aims to introduce people in Kuwait to Palestinian culture, art and traditions. "One of our objectives is to protect Palestinian heritage from extinction. These beautiful embroideries and handicrafts are also the source of income for the women who make them," she said.

She added: "The proceeds of this event help in funding other projects that sustain the lives of people in Palestinian refugee camps, like sponsoring families in need, and funding university scholarships for students," added Abu Ghazaleh. The items showcased in the exhibition are all hand-made by the 550 Palestinian women living in refugee camps in Jordan and employed by the Palestinian Culture Center. "Throughout the course of crafting the beautiful traditional pieces, these women are passing the tradition to the young generation, preserving it from extinction," said Abu Ghazaleh.

The exhibition captures the beauty of Palestinian culture, history and rich heritage, exhibiting colorful cross-stitch pieces, shawls, traditional Palestinian dresses, wallets, purses, and many more. Books and DVDs in Arabic and English speaking about the plight of the Palestinian diaspora were also on display, with titles by acclaimed thinkers like Naom Chomsky and Edward Said. The literature section also included CDs of traditional Palestinian music, books of fiction and poetry.

The event featured numerous hand-made products by women living in refugee camps. They include traditional cross-stitch embroidery of dresses, linens, shawls, cushions, table runners, cards, belts, purses, bookmarks, handmade ceramics from Hebron, books, posters, cards, and keychains.

One of the most prominent sections is the traditional Palestinian dresses section. The dresses are famous for their flowery designs and bold natural colors of indigo and red. Symbols of the ubiquitous Cypress trees surrounding the orange groves, roses, jasmine and the famous olive tree are typical motifs in Palestinian dresses.

On the periphery of the event, a traditional food sale is organized featuring a number of foods such as thyme, sumac, baked traditional goods and dishes. What renders Palestinian embroidery unique is the use of needle and silk thread, which is a manifestation of the Palestinian identity as it has evolved over the ages. An age old art, all Palestinian ladies, young and old would, spend hours embroidering their trousseau, dresses, shawls and cushions. Palestinian art is known for its use of geometric shapes, and depicting images from the immediate surroundings.

The Palestinian Culture Center (PCC) is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the rich heritage and culture of Palestine, help empower women and their families in the Palestinian refugee camps become economically independent, and sustain needy Palestinians in their homeland and across the world. The exhibition is a four-day event taking place from 10 am to 1:30 pm, and then again from 4:30 to 8:30 pm until Thursday.