WHOSHARE MEMORIES: The Memory of the Marsevan Art Books: Healing Art of Victoria Khatcherian
THE ART THAT SURVIVED THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Artmaking is an event toward transformation of mind and body. The physical actions of drawing, shaping, changing material aesthetically equally alters the well-being of the artist and in turn the senses of the viewer. The series of work created by Victoria Khatcherian is a manifestation of a woman who had endured much trauma during her young life and her perseverance. This is the healing imbued in her art.
Victoria’s handcrafted artwork, preserved for over 100 years, stands as a testament to her patience, creativity, and endurance, now entrusted to the Armenian Museum of Fresno to be shared with family, community, and future generations.
Jane Knar reflects on her Great grandmother Victoria, whose early memory is of a gentle, resilient woman later rendered bedridden by a stroke, yet deeply influential through family stories and legacy. Inspired by learning that Victoria became a kindergarten teacher in 1906 at Marsevan College in the Ottoman Empire, Jane felt guided toward her dream of teaching, which she later pursed. Her father described Victoria as God-fearing, strong, and independent, enduring nine years of immobility while only able to utter “my son” and “Eddie” a perseverance that shaped Jane’s character. Curated by Hazel Antaramian.
Closing Reception & Lecture: February 20, 2026
Closing Reception Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Guest Speaker Topic: The Role of Art & Culture in Education.
Location: Armenian Museum of Fresno 550 E. Shaw Ave. Fresno, CA 93710
