City turns down art donation for first time in 10 years

Glendale News Press, Jan. 26, 2012

An oil painting featuring the Statue of Liberty surrounded by the floating heads of popular Armenian figures recently became the first donated work of art to the city in more than a decade to be turned down.

The painting also includes flowing wheat and Mt. Ararat — a snow-capped mountain in Turkey where, according to biblical lore, Noah’s Ark came to rest. The mountain can be seen from Armenia and Iran.

… The artist, Anita Garouni, is an Iranian immigrant with Armenian ancestry who has lived in Glendale for 15 years. She told the commission that her painting, titled “Home,” represents the love she feels for the United States and her Armenian culture.