Community Arts Partner

Participant Details

Community Arts Partner Name
Amina Quraishi
Partner Type
Individual
Profile Photo
Individual Bio or
Organizational Statement
Amina Quraishi is a student of traditional Islamic Art. She was born in Qatar and immigrated to Canada where she spent her childhood and completed her education. She received an Honors Bachelors in Science majoring in Psychology and Art & Art History at the University of Toronto. Intrigued by the beautiful patterns found in the Islamic lands from Eastern China to Spain, she began to study Islamic Art. Recently she travelled to London to learn the traditional art of Islamic Geometry and Arabesque patterns with renowned artists Adam Williamson and Richard Henry at the Art of Islamic Pattern. Amina moved to Redmond, Washington in June 2016 and has been teaching Islamic Geometric Art and Arabesque patterns at the King County Library System, Seattle Public School System and at her local mosques and community centers in Puget Sound area.  

Contact Information

First Name
Amina
Last Name
Quraishi
Address
6404 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE Apt 301
Address 2
City
Redmond
State
Washington
Zip
98052
Phone
425 633 7997

Grade Levels Preferred

Grade Levels Preferred
6th - 8th, 9th - 12th

Artistic Disciplines

Discipline
5, Math/Geometry
Type
Islamic Geometric Art Arabesque Art

Experience

Previous School Partnerships
Garfield High School - Islam Arts & Culture Training for K-12 visual arts and music teachers. McClure Middle School- Teacher Professional Development in Islamic Art
Other Trainings or Certifications
Art of Islamic Pattern, London UK, 2018 Spring Intensive Course - Persian Patterns Summer Intensive- Creative Design University of Toronto, 2016. Honors Bachelor's in Science, majoring in Psychology and Art & Art History Sheridan College, 2016. Advanced Diploma in Art & Art History
Sample Lesson Description: Student / Classroom Residencies
1.    Islamic Geometric Art  Islamic Art is a diverse art-form that encompasses a large diversity of cultures and regions. The three main components of Islamic art are: Calligraphy, Geometric art, and Arabesque art (stylized vegetal, floral patterns). Geometric patterns are drawn using a compass and ruler and follow a set of design rules. All geometric patterns start off with a circle divided into equal parts to create a symmetrical pattern with different shapes and polygons. Topics of history, geography, architecture, and geometry will be touched upon in the process of learning about Geometric art. Students will learn to draw geometric patterns using the traditional tools, a compass and ruler. They will also learn the different design and color techniques to paint geometric patterns with watercolor. Additional courses about Islamic geometric patterns: 2.    Geometric Patterns from the Alhambra Palace. Learn to draw and paint one of the many iconic geometric patterns that adorn the great walls of the  Alhambra Palace in Spain. 3.    Persian Patterns. Islamic art reached the peak of its perfection in Persia. Learn to draw and paint one of these unique geometric patterns. 4.    Patterns from Mughal India. Discover the patterns from Mughal India. Learn to draw, transfer, and paint a pattern from historical Mughal architecture. 5.    Arabesque Art Arabesque art is one of the major forms of Islamic art which consists of organic linear patterns with floral and vegetal foliage. It is an ornamental  art form used in the interiors of historic buildings, manuscripts, textiles, and ceramics all over the Islamic world, from Eastern China to Spain. Topics of history, geography, architecture, and geometry will be touched upon in the process of learning about Arabesque art. Students will learn to draw beautiful patterns using the three design elements: spirals, symmetry and structure, & rhythm and balance. With a watercolor washes and techniques demonstration, they will will then transfer the pattern to watercolor paper and paint. Additional courses about Arabesque art: 6.    Persian Patterns: Khargird Star. Learn to draw and paint a beautiful Arabesque star pattern from 15th century Iran. 7.    Patterns from the Alhambra Palace. Learn to draw and paint an Arabesque pattern from the remarkable Alhambra Palace in Spain. One of the most exquisite works of Islamic Art.
Sample Workshop Description: Teacher Professional Development
Teacher Professional Development Training | Islamic Art
This is an all inclusive training for teachers K-12 who are interested in incorporating Islamic Art into the curriculum.
Training will cover:
  • Definition, history, and principles of Islamic art
  • Experience the diversity and richness of Islamic art and architecture with examples from around the world
  • Drawing activity with step-by-step demo of how geometric and arabesque patterns are constructed
  • Discussion and Q&A on setting up a safe and inclusive art learning experience for Muslim students
All attendees will receive the following for classroom use:
  • Comprehensive, illustrated curriculum booklet with art activity handouts
  • List of recommended art materials, books on Islamic art and patterns, and online resources

Areas of Experience and Expertise

Approved Professional Development Provider
1
Approved Classroom Residency Provider
Yes

Teaching Approach

Teaching Philosophy + Approach
Art is universal language. Everyone can create and appreciate art no matter where they come from! I like to partner with teachers to understand where students are in terms of their education, what subjects they are learning and their experience with different art mediums.  This allows me to smoothly transition from their day to day activities in the classroom to an engaging and relatable art learning experience.
Curriculum Integration Possibilities
Math/geometry
Special Skills and Areas of Expertise
Testimonials from Schools
"Amina came to my 5th grade class of Highly Capable students and introduced them to Islamic geometric tessellating designs. Her lesson with my class was beautiful, developmentally appropriate, and inspired my students to learn how to create more patterns and artwork. Most of my class continued their learning by practicing the skills they learned during lunch, which showed support and solidarity with my Muslim students who were fasting during the month of Ramadan." - Sara Hart, 5th grade teacher at Bear Creek Elementary

Fees

Fees
One day workshops: 2 hour workshop including all materials (includes pattern demonstration and watercolor) - $450 1.5 hour workshop including all materials (pattern demonstration and drawing)- $350 Multiple day workshop: 4-8 sessions ranging from 1-2 hours I am flexible on the number of hours and sessions I offer based on what teachers are looking for. Please contact me to discuss number of sessions and hours and we can figure out the fees accordingly.

Images

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Student work: 8-Fold Geometric Rosette, watercolor on watercolor paper
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Student work: Arabesque Pattern, watercolor on watercolor paper
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Student work: Turkish Penc Flower, watercolor on watercolor paper
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Student work: Turkish Tile Painting, glaze on ceramic tile
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Student work: 8-Fold Rosettes Tessellated by Students Ages 9-12, marker on paper

Video

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