Dignity, Struggle For Hman Rights Art Exhibit

Online, August 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - New Orleans, LA. M.L. King Branch Public Library is hosting "Dignity, Struggle for Human Rights" art exhibit for visual artist Haitham Eid. The exhibit will run from Aug. 20 - Oct. 31, 2010 and will include educational workshops.

Haitham Eid is an art teacher at Andrew H. Wilson Charter School and a human rights activist. He was born and raised in Egypt. Haitham finished his undergraduate education in archaeology from Cairo University and his Masters in Museum Studies from Southern University at New Orleans. While Haitham tries to build bridges between the East and the West through his activism and art, there is always a struggle that comes through. His paintings depict this struggle and reflect his desire in creating a better life for all humans on earth.

More than 25 paintings will be on display at M.L. King Branch Public Library. Opening reception is on Friday August 20 at 1:00 P.M. Art, creative writing and human rights 101 workshops besides film screening will be offered for more than forty 4th grade students from Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Science and Technology. Workshops will be led by the artist, Haitham Eid, Tonya McClary and Crystal Eid who are human rights activists with Amnesty International USA. The exhibit will be accessible to all students at the Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School and the public for more than two months.

Linda Gielec, M.L. King Branch Public Library Director, is very excited about the exhibit. "As our community has suffered greatly in the wake of Katrina and the turbulent times of the Lower 9th Ward, it is important for our community members and children alike to become aware of other such turbulent and trying times for others through out the world. This art exhibit in conjunction with Amnesty International is an excellent way to do just that, coupled with the amazing artwork of local teacher and Egyptian artist Mr. Haitham Eid". Crystal Eid, a human rights activist and Haitham's wife, invites people to come to the exhibit "People of all ages are welcome to come and be a part of this wonderful exhibit. It is important for us to learn about our rights as humans and know that we do have a voice which is meant to be heard".

"Dignity, Struggle for Human Rights" Art Exhibit is sponsored by M.L. King Branch Public Library, Amnesty International USA and Baraka Institute. For more information contact Linda Gielec, Library Director at 504 596-2695 or [email protected]