The Ovissi Foundation and Ovissi Boutique invite the public to the opening of States of Being, a 2026 Ovissi Foundation Awardees Exhibition featuring recent work by four Persian American artists. The exhibition opened Saturday, September 12 at Ovissi Boutique, 11932 Democracy Drive, Reston, Virginia, and will remain on view until October 5, 2026.
The exhibition brings together the artistic practices of Farzad Kohan, Ali Masoumzadeh, Sanaz Safanasab, and Aida Izadpanah, whose works created between 2023 and 2025 explore themes of memory, time, identity, interconnectedness, transformation, visibility, and migration. Working across porcelain, ink, wood, glass, fiber, and light, the artists offer distinct approaches to material, process, and personal experience. Together, their work reflects the breadth of contemporary Persian American artistic expression.
Exhibition Details
States of Being: 2026 Ovissi Foundation Awardees Exhibition
September 12 – October 5
Location: Ovissi Boutique, 11932 Democracy Drive, Reston, Virginia
Hours: Weekdays & Saturdays: 12–8 p.m. Sundays: 12–7 p.m.
“States of Being reflects our commitment to supporting artists whose work expands how Persian American experiences are seen, understood, and shared,” said Tamika Martin of the Ovissi Foundation.“ By bringing these four artists together, we are celebrating both their individual practices and the many ways contemporary Persian art continues to evolve.”
Looking Ahead: 2027 Ovissi Foundation Awards
For the past five years, the Ovissi Foundation has provided artistic grants to U.S.-based Persian artists, supporting emerging and established creative practices.
In 2027, the Foundation will expand its award categories to broaden opportunities and increase awareness& of Persian American artists working across a wider range of disciplines.
The Foundation’s Master of Fine Art Award will continue unchanged at $1,500. New for 2027, the Foundation will introduce two Modern Craft Awards, each providing a $1,000 grant:
- Textiles & Art Forms Award — $1,000
- Glassworking Award — $1,000
Persian artists based& in the United States who work in these craft disciplines are encouraged to apply, as are individuals who know artists who may be eligible.
About the Ovissi Foundation
The Ovissi Foundation supports Iranian heritage artists by providing opportunities for artistic development, recognition, and financial support. Over the past five years, the Foundation has awarded grants to ;U.S.-based Iranian heritage artists and museums. The Foundation continues to expand its programs to reflect the diversity of contemporary artistic practices within the Iranian- American community.
States of Being represents the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to creating platforms where artists can share their work, connect with audiences, and contribute to a broader understanding of Iranian art and culture.
