A Milestone Moment: Reflections on the 12th Annual Islamic Arts Festival

As both an artist and as President of the Islamic Arts Society, I am deeply moved by the overwhelming success and spirit of this year’s 12th Annual Islamic Arts Festival, held on Nov 15th & 16th, at the University of Houston.

As an artist, it was a profound honor to present my work, surrounded by an incredible community of fellow artists dedicated to the beauty and depth of Islamic art. To everyone who stopped by, shared kind words, or took home a piece of my art—thank you. The Festival offered meaningful moments of connection: conversations with art lovers, fellow creators, and first-time visitors who came to experience the richness of this tradition.

As President of the Islamic Arts Society, leading the Islamic Arts Society into its 12th annual Islamic Arts Festival has been a journey of passion, collaboration, and purpose. Together with our dedicated board, volunteers, and supporters, we have built a festival that not only celebrates artistic excellence but strengthens cultural understanding and community bonds.
This year’s Festival reached an even wider audience—thanks to the tireless efforts of our team, the generosity of our patrons, and the energy of every visitor. Your belief in our mission drives us forward.

This year, Houston Mayor, John Whitmire, inaugurated the festival at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Proclamation designating Nov 15th & 16th Islamic Arts Festival days, while emphasizing the importance of art and cultural events in building an inclusive and diverse Houston. It was heartwarming to see 5000+ visitors attend the festival over two days. The event showcased the art of over 50 artists, including 12 who attended from various parts of America and Canada.

Famous Turkish Sufi music sensation Abdullah Kaymak was the highlight of the Festival's evening entertainment program along with Muslim comedians Preacher Moss and Sabeen Sadiq. Sara Filali from Colorado presented a workshop on the art of storytelling and Houston’s poet laureates Aries Kian and Ryes Ramirez highlighted the poetry program. In addition, the festival featured a film festival, an academic seminar and Islamic art workshops.

This Festival is a reminder of the power of art to bridge cultures, spark dialogue, and unite people across divides.

Here’s to many more years of art, understanding, and community!

A CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY at THE HOBBY CENTER for the PERFORMING ARTS

A powerful celebration of cultures through music and visual arts!

It was an honor to partner with the Apollo Chamber Players, Chamber Music America’s 2025 Ensemble of the Year, for an evening of dialogue, visual arts, and music to celebrate Houston’s multicultural landscape. I was proud to represent Islamic Arts Society and highlight the rich heritage of Islamic Arts during the preconcert panel discussion. The panel was moderated by St. John Flynn, former Arts and Culture Director of Houston Public Media, and included Apollo’s founding Director Matthew Detrick, and world class composer, Professor Reza Vali of Carnegie Melon University-Photos courtesy of Lynn Lane Photography.

EBRU DEMO ON KPRC'S "HOUSTON LIFE"

As Islamic Arts Society’s Board President and ebru artist, I got to promote the Islamic Arts Festival on 'Houston Life' and have fun teaching the hosts, Tessa Barrera and Derrick Shore, the art of ebru!

-photo courtesy of KPRC.

METHODIST HOSPITAL-CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

I felt truly privileged to conduct ebru workshops for the superheroes of the Methodist Hospital through their Center of Performing Arts.

The Center aims to translate the collaborative potential of arts and medicine into the healthcare environment and purposefully integrates performing and visual arts into the hospital environment to support the well-being of their healthcare providers.

The therapeutic nature of ebru art does wonders for the body and soul!

ASIA SOCIETY FESTIVAL OF EID

What better way to celebrate Eid, marking the end of Ramadan, than to be part of Asia Society’s Festival of Eid. Thank you Asia Society for inviting me back to share the art of ebru with the visitors!

ALLEY THEATER BALL

It is always so satisfying to give back to the community. My artwork was requested for Alley Theater’s annual fundraiser, The Alley Ball, and was sold in the live auction!

Alley Theatre is one of the largest U.S. professional nonprofit theatres outside of New York City. Founded in 1947 it is also one of the oldest professional resident theatre companies in the country.

ISLAMIC ARTS FESTIVAL - CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!!!

As President of Islamic Arts Society, I am so honored to host legends like Haji Noor Deen, at our 10th Islamic arts festival. And what a privilege to have renowned artists like Behnaz Karjoo, Paul Barchilon, Moina Sajjad, and Jennifer Usman showcase their beautiful work at the festival!