Art Honors Sept. 11 Memory

Daniel Varoujan Hejinian will bring his world famous art to Chelmsford, displaying his "Colors of Liberty" paintings at the Public Library this week with a reception to follow on Saturday at 2 p.m. The paintings honor the memory of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 and inspires hope in the future of America.

Originally from Syria, Varoujan came to America in 1979 and has lived in Chelmsford for the last 25 years. He works out of his own personal studio that he built onto his house, where he settled when he began work on the wall murals at St. Vartananz Church. The project took more than three years to complete.

"When I received my citizenship here, I saw all different faces, people from all over the world, pledging to be Americans," said Varoujan. "When you come here, you appreciate the opportunities your family can have in America."

Varoujan has studied art since childhood, and his work shows his dedication to his craft.

"Every painting is different — it's about lifetime experiences that you express through the art," Varoujan said. His art has been displayed in galleries on Newbury Street and his murals have decorated buildings all over the state.

In 2003, Varoujan founded Peace of Art Inc., a nonprofit organization that uses art as an educational tool to teach and promote peaceful solutions to conflict in the world.

"Without goals, you can't step toward your future," he said. "You have to believe in yourself and your ability. Art brings joy to my life, and my art can bring joy to others."

Colors of Liberty is a Peace of Art project that Varoujan hopes will inspire Americans to take pride in their country.  One painting features the Statue of Liberty holding a folded American flag in her hands honoring the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, three red stripes representing the blood that was shed, and two blue stripes in memory of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

Last September, Varoujan was honored at the Massachusetts State House for the Colors of Liberty art.

"Sept. 11 changed America. It was an attack on our freedom, democracy and America's power of love for humanity," said Varoujan.  "It remains in our hearts — we were united with our pain, but also united in the new appreciation for our flag and the love for our country. It affected the whole world and its global liberty and peace."

With a passion for peace and dedication to inspiring others through his art, Varoujan is excited for the future.  

"What you think you can conquer with force, you can instead conquer with love," he said.

For more information about the Colors of Liberty event and Varoujan, visit www.colorsofliberty.com, www.varoujan.net, and www.peaceofart.org.