5 Questions for…
She considers herself an artist and a humanitarian. However, when Kinda Hibrawi ’96 began Zeitouna, she became a woman of all trades.
In 2013, after a Greek museum made budgetary cuts and cancelled an exhibit of her paintings, Ms. Hibrawi co-founded Zeitouna, a program of creative workshops for refugee children in Syria and Turkey. During these weeklong periods, she and her team use art, sports, and creative writing to help these children heal from the wounds of being torn away from their homes and forced to grow up in a refugee camp.
How and when did you come up with the idea for Zeitouna?
It’s an interesting story where, out of despair, comes hope. I came across a documentary on HBO called “Sing your Song,” a biography of Harry Belafonte. I had no idea of his philanthropic work, the things he did for Africa, and the awareness he brought. I remember being so inspired at the end of it and thinking, “Why isn’t anyone bringing this awareness to Syria?”
Felsen ’62 and Jarocki ’65 Named to All Century Team
Congratulations to David Felsen ’62 and Skip Jarocki ’65, who were recently named to the Middle Atlantic Conference Men’s Soccer All Century Team (1912-1970). The two, who are also graduates of Haverford College, received their award at the annual Haverford-Swarthmore soccer game on Oct. 26, according to a press release.
Mr. Felsen and Mr. Jarocki were among 11 Haverford alumni named to the team. Read more about the honor here.
Miller ’85 Creates Collaboration in “To Abstract:”
Sarah “Sally” Miller ’85 and Jack Doehring have published To Abstract: a book of Mr. Doehring’s poetry complimented by Ms. Miller’s multimedia artwork.
In an email, Ms. Miller described the publication as “a multimedia visual art book with zen-like poetry to teach art appreciation, particularly how to look at abstract art.”
According to her press release, To Abstract: was also a strong collaboration between the poet and artist.
Gallery Event in a Beautiful Little Town
Portsmouth is a beautiful little town! I had never been there before although my wife, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law make annual pilgrimages to do much of their Christmas shopping there—the SUV was packed to the gills this year!
I got there a little early so I had the chance to walk around. It reminded me of Northampton, but with the ocean nearby. We had a nice gathering at The Banks Gallery, owned by Jamie LaFleur ’94. 
Jamie was one of my first advisees here at Williston. He came to Williston as a sophomore from the Keene, NH area. He was a swimmer who was also looking for a strong arts program. After going to art school, Jamie opened his own gallery. I asked him where Banks came from and he said he sort of just plucked it out of the air. Business did well and about a year ago they moved into a new gallery located steps from the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Unfortunately, just after they moved in there was a fire in an adjacent building which did heavy smoke and water damage to the gallery. They had to shut down and get the pieces and gallery restored. He just reopened about four months ago.
Jamie deals with a lot of high-end painting. Jamie’s parents (Martha and Allan LaFleur) moved to the Portsmouth area back in May so they could be closer to their grandchildren. It was good to see them and they seem to be doing well.