Los Angeles -- On April 26, Art Share Los Angeles will open its gallery to Artists & Art of Mesopotamia in Los Angeles, a series of works collected by artist Paul Batou. Featuring Chaldo-Assyrian artists from Iraq and Iran, the collection demonstrates not only the shared histories and cultures of the region, but also these artists' passion for "freedom, peace, and democracy".

This follows an exhibition in which children of Iraq showed their work with that of Los Angeles youth. "East Meets West: It Takes a Village" and the accompanying bi-annual showcase demonstrated Art Share's commitment to bring communities together through artistic excellence. Artists & Art of Mesopotamia in Los Angeles includes George Al-Bazi, Qais Al sindy, Hannibal Alkhas, Paul Batou, Sharokin Betgevargis, Ankido Chammo, Baris Badal Dawood, John Hajjar, Ishtar Issa, Ashley Malick, Hanna Malk, Odette Tomikeh, and Dilsun Uluca.

An artist's reception will be held May 6th at 6:00 PM; the exhibit will be shown until May 16th. The gallery is open for viewing weekdays from noon until 6:00 PM.

For more information, visit www.artsharela.org, or call 213.687.4278. The renovated warehouse space of Art Share is at 4th Place and Hewitt, with event proceeds benefiting free classes for teens, space for gallery shows, and low income housing and a starting point for emerging artists.

www.artsharela.org