Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset, spiritual reflection and prayer. This will be the second Eid al-Fitr during COVID lock-downs and restrictions on gatherings feel extra difficult as we pass the dates for traditional family celebrations. Â
In solidarity, we invite Muslims and non-Muslims to participate in an online Eid Card Art Party featuring a live online art lesson by Syrian painter, sculptor and ceramicist Farid Abdulbaki on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 4-5:30 pm.Â
Digital photos of the cards along with messages from the art party participants will be collected and distributed to Syrian newcomer families in Toronto and GTA. We believe these messages will be uplifting and make the families feel part of our community, which we can only assume is very difficult during a time when so many social services and gatherings are limited.
The party also recognizes the one-year anniversary of Student Refugee Program: Community Connections and the UTSU’s SRP team is collaborating with the U of T Muslim Students’ Association to organize it.
The art lesson is open to all people. Please rsvp in advance (here)Â and you will be emailed a Zoom link to participate in the lesson. Five $15 gift cards to Door Dash will be available as door prizes for attendees as a thank you for participating.
Recommended supplies:
- Watercolour paper/ card stock/any paper
- Any watercolor
- Paint Brushes
- Pencil
- Paper tape
- Sharpie/pen
Don’t have all the materials? No worries! Feel free to use creative alternatives or any material you would like. If you don’t have watercolour, you can bring your coffee to paint the card with us!
Farid Abdulbaki  is a classical and contemporary sculptor, painter and ceramicist with over 19 years of experience working in fine art. He was born in 1977 in Homs, Syria, the son of a sculptor, and he graduated from Damascus College of Fine Art in 2000. Upon graduation, as a sculptor and ceramicist, Farid was commissioned by several museums and commercial galleries in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to create works in bronze and clay and he also painted in oils. Farid left Syria in 2012 to escape the war and now resides in Victoria, British Columbia. He has held numerous teaching positions and most recently taught ceramics and micro-mosaic at the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin). Â
The Student Refugee Program: Community Connections aims to raise awareness around the challenges faced by people in displaced communities around the world.Â
The UTSU recognizes this global issue. With funding from a student levy, we have worked alongside New College to sponsor refugee youth and help to make a positive change. The UTSU-New College Local Committee has proudly sponsored over 18 refugee youth through the World University Services of Canada (WUSC): Student Refugee Program and has assisted with their settlement and higher education.
For more information please contact srp@utsu.caÂ
