At the heart of the "Folk Art Hub" educational and cultural foundation lies a paramount objective—to advance scholarly works and encourage a deeper exploration of Armenian national and folk art. The foundation's commitment to financing published works is a strategic effort directed at the preservation of national traditions and customs that teeter on the brink of oblivion. To date, the foundation, under the patronage of its founder, Levon Der Bedrossian, has supported the publication of over five significant books and picture books:
"Passages" - (2002)
In collaboration with the "Armenian Rug Society” of the USA, the foundation published the book "Passages" in 2002. This work showcases remarkable examples of Armenian rugs from private collections. The introductory section delves into references of Armenian rugs spanning different historical periods.
"Armenian Carpet Art, 18th-20th cc." - History Museum of Armenia (2013)
Published in 2013, this book pays homage to the most renowned examples of carpets within the collection of the History Museum of Armenia. Each carpet is meticulously presented in comparison with other branches of Armenian art, illustrating recurring ornamentation found in various artistic monuments.
"Textile Revival at Cross Roads" - Folk Arts Museum (2015)
A pictorial journey, this book captures the 2015 exhibition at the Hovhannes Sharambeyan Museum of Folk Arts, focusing on Armenian fabric. The exhibition celebrates the rich tapestry of Armenian cultural heritage through textiles.
"Armenian Folk Holidays and Ritual Lady-Dolls (20-21st Centuries)" by Zhenya Khachatryan (2017)
In this 2017 publication, ethnographer Zhenya Khachatryan presents a comprehensive study on the types of ritual dolls used in Armenian culture, their craftsmanship, and their association with various holidays.
"Rescued Armenian Embroidery" by Narek Van Ashughatoyan (2019)
A visual masterpiece, this picture book showcases the finest examples of Armenian embroidery from Narek Van Ashughatoyan's personal collection. The preface provides a succinct overview of the origins of Armenian embroidery. Published in 2019, this work is a testament to the enduring legacy of Armenian handicrafts.
The Open Art Library
Beyond book publications, the foundation is deeply committed to providing accessible resources for enthusiasts. This commitment materializes through the establishment of an open art library, housed at the "Silk Road" hotel on Aygedzor 53/2. With a diverse collection of over 1,000 books in Armenian, English, Russian, German, French, and Italian, the library serves as a valuable repository for all those eager to explore the rich tapestry of Armenian cultural heritage.
