By Michael YEGHIAYAN

A number of local artists and organizations were honored by the City of Glendale at the annual Diamond Award for Achievement ceremony. The event, held on April 29, is held by the City of Glendale and celebrates contributions to art and culture in the city.

Among the winners was Srboohie Abajian who received commendation as Artist of the Year in recognition of  her “Getting It” exhibition displayed in downtown Glendale.

Other winners at the event include best Young Artist Ruben Avoian, Lifetime Achievement winner Seeroon Yeretzian, and Community Partner Carolyn Howard. The Glendale Art Association and Xpress Art Center were also recognized.

In addition to “Getting It,” Abajian’s exhibitions in Glendale include the collection “Auto-Portrait LA,” contributions to the annual “Works on Paper” show, and the “Man’s Inhumanity to Man” event.

Abajian immigrated to the United States from Yerevan, Armenia. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts  in painting from the Art Institute and has studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Over the past 10 years, her work has been shown in over 30 exhibitions across Southern California. Additionally, her work can be found as part of the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies program and at the Center for the Study of Political Graphics.

As a first generation resident of Glendale, Abajian’s art serves as a reflection of the immigrant experience in the United States and offers a social commentary of American culture.

“As an Armenian immigrant artist, I have a fresh perspective on American society,” said Abajian. 
“The differences in culture and lifestyle inspire me to create art that raises people’s awareness of social issues.”

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN