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Persian New Year Festival to unveil ‘Haftseen’art

Posted 2/3/21

In honor of the Celebration of Life Nowruz — Persian New Year — the third annual Arizona Persian New Year Festival will unveil interactive art installations for public viewing instead of hosting an in-person festival.

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Persian New Year Festival to unveil ‘Haftseen’art

Posted

In honor of the Celebration of Life Nowruz — Persian New Year — the third annual Arizona Persian New Year Festival will unveil interactive art installations for public viewing instead of hosting an in-person festival.

The art installations will be available for public viewing from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7, at the Marshall Way Bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road.

“We are thrilled to be able to still celebrate the Persian New Year in a way that allows the public to remain safe and socially distanced during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Persian New Year Festival founder, Lawdan Shojaee, in a prepared statement.

“The art installations are a beautiful way for our community to learn more about Persian culture and tradition while enjoying a safe and responsible experience.”

The Persian New Year Festival, a 501(c) nonprofit, and the city of Scottsdale have partnered with local artist, Mahsa Page who has over 20 years’ experience in the design, art and architectural industry, the release said.

Involved with projects in over 10 countries, the release noted of Ms. Page who is published nationally and internationally, she is working with the festival to reveal the largest “haftseen” art installation in Arizona’s history.

A haftseen is an arrangement that is traditionally displayed during the celebration of Nowruz (New Year). The display has seven symbolic items, which is considered a lucky number), representing the beginning of spring, according to the release.

Her art installation will have three different takes on haftseens, with one of the installation’s featuring backdrops from three other local artists.

“I’m passionate about promoting social and cultural awareness, which is why the haftseen art installations spoke to me,” said Ms. Page in a prepared statement. “Growing up in Iran, I’m thrilled to be able to share more about the culture with our Arizona community.”

Each of the installations will be displayed on tables and volunteers from the Persian New Year Festival committee will be onsite to discuss the art pieces and answer questions. Posters will also be available at each exhibit to explain the display and theme of the haftseen.

Event-goers will also hear Persian music played throughout the event. Items for the installation will be provided by Dang Fine Rentals and 9th Gallery Arts will provide the individual art pieces on display.

After the Persian Festival’s opening weekend, the installations will be moved to the Scottsdale Quarter on Monday, March 8, and available for public display through the end of the month.

For more information about the free event, visit https://www.persiannewyearfestival.org/.