What is Iraqi Art Gallery?
We are a gallery that presents Iraqi art primarily, but occasionally exhibits other art from countries that are experiencing similar hardship such as Afghanistan. We are having a brand new show of Iraqi paintings and ceramics opening Sunday March 11, 2007.

How did you get involved with the Iraqi Art Community?
That’s a question that I have asked myself many times. It’s a question that most people ask themselves about the path they have chosen. I guess it boils down to the philosophy by which I try to live my life. It’s simple really; try to do good always. Honestly, I don’t always live up to that philosophy, but I try. I worked in the film business for the past 10 years. In June of 2005, I was working as Harold Ramis’ assistant. Harold is the most philanthropic person I have ever met. He is a charitable and kind man, who uses his notoriety and position to make the world a better place. I received an email from a dear friend who was living in Baghdad as a human rights worker. She told me about a group of artists there who had no venue to show their art, and no real source of income. Harold was to emcee an annual festival in Lincoln Park in late August 2005; The Hamsa Festival. It is organized and executed by Genesis at the Crossroads. The festival is dedicated to bringing together cultures that are in conflict, for a weekend of peace and cultural exchange. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring art from Baghdad to show in Chicago. After much organizing and bureaucratic paperwork, my friend brought the paintings back with her from Iraq in time for the festival. That was the start of my relationship to Iraqi art.

Since that time, I have organized several exhibitions of Iraqi art at the Peace Museum in Garfield Park, Johnsonese Gallery in Bucktown, as well as at Iraqi Art Gallery in Rogers Park. What drove me to do this, and ultimately to open my own gallery, is that this project is the perfect way for me to do some good. I feel that this is more than an opportunity. It is a responsibility that has been placed in my hands. For me to turn my back on it would be to violate my own code of ethics. I have to do it.

How have you been able to keep the gallery going?
It isn’t easy. I’ve had to sacrifice some things. But, to do the right thing when it’s easy is virtually meaningless. It’s only through adversity that our convictions are truly tested. Since I took over the space at 7013 N Sheridan Rd., I have invested my own money, and taken no salary for myself. All profits from the sale of the art go to the artists. My goal is to attain the funding necessary to run the gallery, so that I can send 100% of the sale price from the art to the artists. This means that, for the gallery to continue to operate, I must rely on private donations, grants and other charitable giving. Basically, for this to work, I need others to give of themselves. It is my firm belief that people are good. So, I have no doubt in my heart that the gallery will be here for years to come.

How come you’re bringing Iraqi Art to Rogers Park?
We want to show the human side of Iraq, its people and artists. This has been virtually ignored by the media. Rogers Park seemed like the ideal community. I live here and I know how diverse our community is and how open to cultural exchange. We first showed Iraqi Art at the Peace Museum in Garfield Park. When the show closed, in 11/06 we looked for a new home. About 40 galleries turned us away. So we decided to create our own gallery here in Rogers Park.

What do you hope to accomplish through Iraqi Art Gallery?
Our mission involves three goals: 1) to provide a dignified income for the Iraqi artists 2) to facilitate cultural exchange, 3) to foster good will with the Iraqi people

What kind of response are you getting from the Rogers Park community?
We are getting a lot of moral support. Neighbors are coming in and saying, "Glad you are here." We are also looking for more financial support in terms of grants and donations to help sustain this project. All profits from the sale of the art go directly to the artists. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. both have been strong supporters of the gallery

What is the response from the Iraqi artists?
They are enthusiastic. They send new works regularly.

What is next for Iraqi Art Gallery?
We are having a new show of Iraqi Art, both paintings and ceramic work, opening Sunday March 11, 2007. In June, the 23-27, 2007. Iraqi Art Gallery will represent Iraq at the first annual (2007)Chicago Arabesque, an Arab Festival in which all Arab countries will be represented in Chicago at Daley Plaza.

How can people reach you?
People can reach me through our website www.iraqi-art.com or 312-952-1329 or by just stopping by and saying "hello."