by FA

Created on: February 12, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

A young new wife, Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz and her husband moved to the United States, August 30, 1975, from Damascus, Syria. "I got married at the age of 16 because it was culturally acceptable," Ilham said.

Since her new country, USA, welcomed her, Ilham felt that she had to give back in return. "This country welcomed us all and gave us the equal opportunity to reach our goals and the American dream, so the least I can do is give of my time to teach and bridge the gap between civilizations, the West and the East," Ilham said.

Ilham continued her education, in the U.S. She studied English as a Second Language (ESL) at a night school. When she gained better English skills, she continued finished high school, in Berkeley, MI. During school studies, Ilham and her husband had their first child, a baby girl,named Ruba. Ilham managed to attend Oakland Community College, then transferring to Eastern Michigan University to finish her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, Art, Painting, Ceramic, and a minor in Art History. Ruba gained a new baby brother, Rodwan, during those years her mother was attending college.

Ilham said those years of attending college were not easy, but "were challenging years." She never gave up while balancing her family and school. "I wanted to finish my education, work and fulfill my life goals, including be a good role model for children." She said the hardships she endured made her a stronger person. "Knowledge is a shield to strengthen your survival needs. It is also a form of power."

Ilham is a strong believer of helping others and being with others. Human interaction is most meaningful with family, neighbors and friends. "You will see we are all the same. We love, we get hurt, we cry, and we experience joy. All this touches my heart." This shows through Ilham's activities.

Ilham is able to capture her interpretation of the world through her art medium, Abstract. "My art is Abstract in style, influenced by my great teachers, Mrs. Stephenson, Robert Piepenburg, and Barry Avedan." Her favorite works of art include from artists Picasso, Kandinskyand, Pollock and many others.

Besides her having art shows of her own, Ilham teaches autistic children art. "It is a blessing every Tuesday night to see them come to my home, so they may work with paints." She admits her students have good days and "not so good days." She said that she also thanks God for blessing them for giving them healthy children. Since working with her autistic students, Ilham said that

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