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collaboration IALA x h-pem | The Once-Man What Taleen Sahakian does with imagery is astounding. In her poem, "The Once-Man," the reader is introduced to a mysterious creature with a cryptic message. What at first seems like a fantasy tale about an imaginary beast turns into a parable about an act of violence so deplorable, it burns "all the love in the world to the ground." The Once-Man is a symbol of loss in its most profound form, in the form of mass annihilation of a group of people. Sahakian alludes to our history, highlights the terrors our ancestors experienced but also reminds us of the power of storytelling. This poem comes from an imaginative mind, a curious soul and a lover of symbolism. Ms. Sahakian succeeds in creating an unforgettable character in The Once-Man. Commentary provided by YAPA contest judge Armine Iknadossian

collaboration ANCA x h-pem | The secret ingredient to Armenian food If you’re going to create a mini Armenian village anywhere in the world, you better have some great chefs on standby. The folks at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this summer knew this well when they called upon Zara Gasparyan—a painter, ceramist, and master of handmade silk scarves—to share her knowledge on herbal teas for festival patrons. ANCA intern, Victoria Messikian, spoke to the multitalented woman about her love for cooking, her favorite meal, and how food is the greatest bond for us all.