Well-known artist Arpi Jinbashian -Krikorian gave Mesrobian School Elementary students a crash course in illustration this week.
Krikorian, Mesrobian Class of 1989, has worked as a full time artist at the Nickelodeon Animation Studios and is one of many Mesrobian graduates to attend Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design. She has worked on classic cartoons such as “Angry Beavers,” “Hey Arnold,” “CatDog,” and “Dora the Explorer.”
“I have great pride in being a ‘Mesrobiantsi.’ The pride in being Armenian that was instilled in me here, could not be possible anywhere else in my opinion, especially in the United States.”
Star-struck Third Grade student Megheti Cherchian was a fan of Krikorian’s work prior to her visit and couldn’t believe she was meeting Krikorian in real life.
The jubilant Third Grader brought with her a hand drawn copy of Krikorian’s now-iconic Armenian folk dancer graphic. Megheti and the rest of the Mesrobian students were teeming with excitement to show Krikorian their drawings.
A group of young artists left school feeling extremely inspired today, and it was absolutely beautiful to witness.
Before leaving, Krikorian shared her impressions of the campus and what Mesrobian means to her: “Coming here today was like coming back to a second home. It was weird because I haven’t driven to this campus in a very, very long time, but as I was turning each corner I already knew where to go.”
“It was like driving back home,” she added. “I was passing by friends’ houses that we went to after-school. My Mesrobian friends are my family, there’s no distinction. We’ve been friends for over 40 years and still I look to them like my sisters and brothers.”
To see more of Krikorian’s work visit her Facbeook or her blog here.
Armenian Mesrobian School was established in 1965. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has Nursery School (2 years old) through High School (12th Grade) on the same campus. The High School curriculum is certified to the University of California. Campus is located at 8420 Beverly Rd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660. If you would like to visit campus or have any questions call (562) 699-2057, or email info@mesrobian.org.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Alumni Spotlight: Artist Arpi Krikorian Inspires Students at Alma Mater Mesrobian