Arpine Shakhbandaryan collaborated with current Mayor Ardashes Ardy Kassakhian to create this Certificate for the City of Glendale. Photo: Arpine Shakhbandaryan.
Glendale in Bloom by Arpine Shakhbandaryan celebrates the Sister Cities Program through a vibrant garden bouquet featuring the official flowers of Glendale (hibiscus) and blooms from its sister cities: the forget-me-not of Armenia, Bayahibe rose of the Dominican Republic, cherry blossom of Japan, dahlia of Mexico, jasmine of Philippines, and hibiscus of South Korea. Framing the bouquet are two peacocks, inspired by Glendale’s seal and Jacaranda tree branches. Photo: Arpine Shakhbandaryan.
Arpine Shakhbandaryan
Armenian Illuminated Manuscripts, Miniature, and Trchnakir (Bird Letter) Calligraphy
Born in Armenia and now based in Glendale, Arpine Shakhbandaryan preserves and evolves traditional Armenian illuminated manuscripts, miniature art, and trchnakir (bird letters) calligraphy through distinct contemporary practices. Shakhbandaryan studied at Atanian Art Center before earning degrees in Biology, Fine Arts, and Public Health from USC. For over 20 years, her practice has focused on Armenian letters, maps, and carpets for private commissions and public art projects. She collaborates with Heghine Harutyunyan, who studied at Panos Terlemezyan Art College, holds a graphic design degree from Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction, and served as a senior manuscript restorer at the Matenadaran. For over 15 years, Harutyunyan’s practice has spanned exhibitions and commissioned projects across multiple media, including cloth, canvas, and wood, blending traditional Armenian miniature aesthetics with contemporary expression.
Living Cultures Grant Program
2026
Armenian Trchnakir (Bird Letter) Art Workshop in Glendale
Funding will support virtual tutorials, in-person workshops, and mini-exhibitions on the art of Armenian illuminated manuscripts in Glendale. Participants will create miniature paintings with trchnakir (bird letter) calligraphy.
