(L-R) Frank Avakian-Stoneson, Michael Aram, Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian

By Frank Avakian-Stoneson
FLArmenians Naples Contributor

NAPLES, FL – Members of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) parish community were honored to attend a special showing by Michael Aram, the world-renowned artist and designer of his Spring 2017 fine jewelry and home collection on Friday, February 10, 2017 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Naples. In addition to the preview of his collection, there was an engaging Question and Answer session with the artist, with highlighted discussion about the Noah’s Ark sculpture designed by Mr. Aram for presentation to Pope Francis by the Armenian Catholicos as a gift on behalf of the people of Armenia during the Pope’s visit to Armenia last June.

Mr. Aram also discussed the strong emotions felt during the design and sculpting of ‘Migrations,’ a piece to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which is displayed on the plaza of the Diocese of the Armenian Church headquarters in New York City for public view.

We all left in awe of the talent and humbleness of Mr. Aram, who is so proud to be an Armenian American. The ACSWFL thanks community member Cherie Dunnigan, herself a jewelry designer, for providing us with the invitations.