ATP Anniversary to Feature Actor David Alpay, Artist Arthur Hovhannisyan

Tickets Moving Fast for Fundraiser in Downtown Boston Nov. 8 WATERTOWN, Mass.—The organizing committee of Armenia Tree Project’s (ATP) 20th anniversary recently announced that actor David Alpay will be featured as a special guest at the Downtown Boston event. The celebration will be held in the grand atrium of the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse overlooking Boston Harbor on Sat., Nov. 8. David Alpay’s debut into the world of Hollywood started with his role in “Ararat,” directed by Atom Egoyan, which garnered international recognition. He has starred opposite Robin Williams in “Man of the Year” and Shirley MacLaine in “Closing the Ring.” A leading man with chameleon-like versatility, Alpay plays Atticus Shane on “The Vampire Diaries.” Alpay can currently be seen starring in the Lifetime Network’s new original scripted drama, “The Lottery.” An acclaimed actor, he has been nominated for two Gemini awards and for the prestigious Genie award (Canada’s Oscar) for best male lead in “Ararat.” He is also an accomplished violinist and fiddle player, and tours with Tim Robbins and the Rogues Gallery Band. His relationship with ATP began several years ago, when he was inspired by a visit to several of the project sites in Armenia. The 20th anniversary fundraiser is being chaired by Nina Festekjian and Nicole Babikian Hajjar, who are coordinating a team of more than two dozen ambassadors for the event. The organization has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $3 million in honor of this milestone. “I feel privileged to have been entrusted with such a momentous responsibility and to serve such an awesome organization,” said Babikian Hajjar. “We’re planning a celebration that will reflect, in its scale and nature, the scope and texture of this vibrant organization. We want the diverse mission and the formidable work they do to touch a whole new constituency, the ultimate goal being to pave the way for the exponential and grassroots growth of the organization.” The committee is planning a truly unique event, promising a few special surprises for the evening. In addition to Alpay, the program will feature the music of Black Sea Salsa and an art sale and live auction by multiple award-winning painter Arthur Hovhannisyan from Armenia, who has been invited by ATP on this occasion. The sale of artwork will benefit ATP’s programs in Armenia. The “Land in Harmony” exhibition will open with a preview on Thurs., Nov. 6 at the Contemporary Art Gallery of the Armenian Museum of America (ALMA), 65 Main St. in Watertown, at 7 pm, followed by an ongoing exhibit and sale on Fri., Nov. 7 from 2-6 p.m. Art sales will continue through the 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 8. Born in Yerevan, Hovhannisyan produces distinctive and highly original canvases that mix contemporary reality with elements of classical art. He has participated in numerous international exhibitions, including in Moscow, New York, Singapore, and the Venice Biennale. He is currently a lecturer at the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts. “Our goal is to raise further awareness of what ATP has accomplished in improving the quality of Armenia’s environment. My vision and hope is for us to create loyal followers that will continually support this great cause,” said Festekjian. “A green Armenia is a healthy Armenia. This is what motivated me to get involved,” she added. “For us to have a prosperous Armenia we need many things, first we need a place where we can look around and be proud. We need to nurture its natural beauty for it to be a healthy place for families to remain and for kids to grow.” Since its inception in 1994, ATP has planted nearly 4.5 million trees, established 3 nurseries and 2 environmental education centers, and has greened villages, churches, parks, and open spaces throughout Armenia. In the process, the organization has provided employment for hundreds of people and provided vital resources to thousands of villagers throughout the country. For more information about supporting the 20th anniversary event on Nov. 8, call the ATP office at (617) 926-8733 or visit www.ArmeniaTree.org.

ATP Anniversary to Feature Actor David Alpay, Artist Arthur Hovhannisyan

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