[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E786-E787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN GRATITUDE AND RESPECT TO DR. RAFFY AND VICKI HOVANESSIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, art is the expression of the human spirit 
throughout its greatest moments of tragedy and triumph. The people of 
the Republic of Armenia have survived some of modern history's most 
horrific acts of genocide and repression, yet their spirit survives and 
their art celebrates that survival.
  Two residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, Dr. Raffy 
and Vicki Hovanessian of Munster, IN, are national leaders in private 
humanitarian efforts that distinguish the United States and enrich our 
relationships with modern nations, such as Armenia. Mrs. Hovanessian 
has recently focused her efforts on the organization of a month-long 
art show, entitled ``Dreams and Visions,'' which begins tomorrow, April 
30, at the Westin Hotel in Chicago, IL. The show will celebrate the 
talent and resilience of contemporary Armenian artists. Artists, whose 
works will be exhibited, include: Achot Achot, Garen Andreassian, Caren 
Arakelian, Arevig Arevshadian, Manuel Baghdassarian, Samuel 
Baghdassarian, Ashod Bayandour, Mardin Bedrossian, Arman Grigorian, 
Reuben Gregorian, Sardis Hamalbashian, Samuel Hampartsoumian, Ara 
Hovsepian, Hovannes Markarian, Garine Matsakian, Arax Nergararian, 
Arthur Sarkissian, Ararat Sarkissian, Gagig Tchartchan, and Felix 
Yeghiazarian.
  Under the auspices of the Fund for Armenian Relief, the humanitarian 
aid agency of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, the above-mentioned 
artists will directly benefit from the proceeds of this show. The 
proceeds will provide an opportunity for the artists of the Republic of 
Armenia to participate in the Documenta at Kassel, Germany, in June of 
this year. The Documenta is an international art show held every five 
years.
  The art show planned by Mrs. Hovanessian is entitled ``Dreams and 
Visions,'' since the

[[Page E787]]

 contemporary works symbolize the aspirations of the people of Armenia 
as viewed through the spectacular imaginative prisms of these artists' 
talents, as well as show their hopeful vision for a new era of peace in 
our time. Their art illustrates the unquenchable, creative human 
capacity for reconciliation and rebuilding.
  The art show will demonstrate, in an exemplary manner, the solidarity 
of the Armenian people for their country and its culture, which is 
passing through one of its most decisive and crucial periods in 
history. Currently, Armenia is experiencing the effects of emancipation 
from the oppressive rule under the Soviet Union and entry into the 
democratic system of a free and independent republic. Culture is surely 
one of the most effective ways of enhancing and promoting this positive 
and radical change in the centuries old life of the Armenian people.
  Over the years, the Hovanessians have devoted countless hours and 
resources toward a variety of charitable works, both in the United 
States and Armenia, with the goal of improving the quality of life for 
native Armenians, as well as Armenian-Americans. One of the notable 
causes for which they have worked is the Saint Neresses Seminary in New 
Rochelle, NY, which sponsors an exchange program between the United 
States and Armenia for new seminarians. The Hovanessians have aided in 
raising $1 million for Saint Neresses. In addition, under the auspices 
of His Holiness Karekin I, Catholicos of All Armenians and Supreme 
Patriarch of the Armenian Church, Dr. and Mrs. Hovanessian have 
recently been appointed by the Armenian Church and government to chair 
museum exhibitions commemorating the 1700th anniversary of Armenians' 
acceptance of Christianity.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to convey the gratitude and 
respect I and others have for the leadership of Dr. Raffy and Vicki 
Hovanessian in devoting themselves to contemporary artistic expression 
in Armenia and other notable humanitarian causes.

                          ____________________