Yereqnuk Arts

Artisan Organization: Yereqnuk Arts

Country: Armenia

"My name is Anna Nasibyan, and I am one of the founding members of Yereqnuk Art, an artisan collective based in the town of Koghb, in the Tavush region of Armenia. Together with two other skilled artists, Arusyak Pashikyan and Satenik Ghulyan, we started this group in 2016 with a shared vision: to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Armenian applied arts while creating job opportunities for the people in our border community.

"Our mission is simple but deeply rooted in the desire to uplift our community. We aim to study, develop, and promote traditional Armenian crafts, all while providing meaningful work for local artisans. Living in a border region far from Armenia’s capital presents challenges, but we see these obstacles as opportunities to strengthen the resilience and creativity of our group.

"Yereqnuk Art specializes in woodcraft and leatherwork, combining traditional Armenian designs with modern techniques to create unique, handcrafted products. Our work is inspired by Armenian ornamental art, miniature painting, and carpet weaving—each of which carries centuries of history and cultural significance. We take pride in incorporating these ancient forms of artistic expression into our products, ensuring that they remain relevant and cherished in today’s world.

"Our community trusts us not only because of the quality of our work but also because of our transparent approach. We regularly hold master classes and community workshops, inviting locals to learn more about our craft and our mission. These gatherings allow us to build relationships with the people around us, fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect. By working closely with our neighbors, we have created a strong support system that helps both the artisans and the broader community thrive.

"Of course, like any organization, we have faced our share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been sourcing materials and ensuring the timely delivery of our products. Being located in a border town, far from the capital and major supply centers, has made it difficult to access the materials we need. Despite these challenges, we manage to navigate these logistical issues through determination and careful planning. We make it a priority to ensure that our customers never experience any delays or interruptions in receiving our handcrafted goods.

"Our funding comes primarily from the sale of our products, though we’ve also received support in the form of equipment donations from various organizations, thanks in part to our partnership with the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation (HDIF). These donations have been instrumental in helping us sustain and grow our operations, allowing us to continue producing high-quality artisan goods.

"At Yereqnuk Art, we use a wide range of materials, including various fabrics, threads, wood, and dyes. While we source most of our materials locally, some come from other countries to ensure the best possible quality. We also strive to be environmentally conscious, repurposing waste materials whenever possible to reduce waste and promote sustainability in our production process.

"Our designs are inspired by a variety of sources, from traditional Armenian applied arts to the natural beauty of our surroundings in Tavush. Patriotism also plays a significant role in our creative process, as we feel a deep connection to our heritage and want to express that through our work. Each piece we create is a testament to the love and pride we have for our country and its artistic traditions.

"Our team operates as a close-knit group, with each member contributing their unique skills and expertise. The work is carefully divided based on specialties, ensuring that every task is handled by the artisan most suited to it. We believe in the power of collaboration, and regular communication is key to ensuring that all members of the team are aligned in achieving our common goals.

"In addition to income, we provide our artisans with opportunities for growth and development. We regularly organize master classes where members can hone their skills and learn new techniques. We also show our appreciation by offering gifts made from our own handcrafted products, further fostering a sense of community within our group.

"The core of Yereqnuk Art is the bond between its members. Many of us have worked together for years, not only within the artisan group but also at the Koghb Art School, where we have long collaborated on educational and cultural projects. This shared history has strengthened our team, and together we’ve been able to overcome challenges and grow as both artists and individuals.

"In the short term, our goal is to continue creating new and innovative products that showcase the beauty of Armenian art. In the long term, we aspire to establish our own store, expand our collaborations, and provide even more opportunities for artisans in our community. We hope that through our work, we can continue to contribute to the cultural and artistic development of our region, while also making a positive impact on the livelihoods of those around us.

"All the members of Yereqnuk Art are professional painters and applied arts specialists. We are proud to not only produce exceptional handicrafts but also to play an active role in the cultural and educational life of our community. We believe that art has the power to bring people together, and through our work, we aim to preserve Armenia’s artistic heritage for future generations.

"Thank you for supporting Yereqnuk Art and for being part of our journey.""