Keeping the Art of Khachkar Making Alive: Narine Poladian Visits Tsil Studio
For months, children at Lorik Humanitarian Fund's Artsakh Tsil Arts Studio in Gyumri have been learning the traditional Armenian art of khachkar (cross-stone) making. This summer, we also brought that experience to children in villages across Armenia as part of Tsil Studio's traveling arts program.
Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Narine Poladian, a master khachkar carver, to our studio in Gyumri.
Originally from Lebanon, Narine repatriated to Armenia in 2018. Today, she is helping preserve one of Armenia's most distinctive artistic traditions, the centuries-old craft of carving intricate crosses and traditional Armenian designs into stone.
Her visit gave our young artists an opportunity to learn from an experienced craftsperson, building on the skills and knowledge they have been developing at the studio.
Khachkar carving is more than an artistic practice. It is an important part of Armenian cultural heritage, passed down through generations. By introducing children to these traditional crafts and giving them opportunities to practice them, we hope to help keep these traditions alive.
At Artsakh Tsil Arts Studio, this work extends beyond our classroom in Gyumri. Through our summer village visits and year-round activities, we bring Armenian art, music, dance, and traditional crafts to children who might otherwise have limited opportunities to experience them.
We are grateful to Narine for sharing her time and knowledge with our young artists.
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