WEEKEND FUN: South Asian Music, World Cup Watch, Art at the Armenian Museum, Crafts for Kids, Sewing Machine Group

The Fourth of July weekend has some activities, including a concert featuring South Asian music on Sunday, get out of the heat and see some art Friday or Sunday, or watch the World Cup all weekend. The Watertown Library will be the venue for kids crafts on Friday, and a sewing machine group meets on Sunday. SOUTH ASIAN MUSIC: Apna-Sa SOUNDS OF BELONGINGSunday, July 5, 2 p.m. Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St. Apna-Sa – Sounds of Belonging is a thematic South Asian concert series presented under the banner of Sarang: Colors of South Asian Music, celebrating the cultural heritage of South Asia. Curated by Indian classical violinist Pranav Swaroop Bettagere, the event features collaborations among talented artists from the Greater Boston area, representing diverse South Asian traditions and influences.

Chris Bohjalian Launching New Novel at Armenian Museum of America with Author Nancy Kricorian

Chris Bohjalian’s latest book, “The Amateur.” The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America is pleased to announce an evening of conversation with bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian and acclaimed author Nancy Kricorian in celebration of the launch of Bohjalian’s highly anticipated new novel, “The Amateur.” The event will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown. Bohjalian and Kricorian will engage in a thought-provoking discussion exploring literature, history, storytelling, and the creative process. Recently named a New York Times Book Review “Novel Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026” and an Oprah Daily Best Book of Summer 2026, The Amateur has already garnered widespread critical acclaim.

Oud Masters John Berberian & Antranig Kzirian to Perform at the Armenian Museum of America

John Berberian (right) and Antranig Kzirian will perform together at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown for an evening of storytelling, Armenian folk traditions, and improvisation. The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

The Armenian Museum of America is pleased to present “Music in Color: Oudflections” on Thursday, June 11 at 7 p.m., an intimate and dynamic evening celebrating the rich traditions and contemporary evolution of Armenian music with two generations of oud players. This program is generously sponsored by Nancy R. Kolligian. 

This special duet performance brings together legendary oud virtuoso John Berberian and acclaimed contemporary musician Antranig Kzirian for a unique “East meets West” musical experience blending storytelling, classical compositions, Armenian folk traditions, improvisation, and modern interpretation. 

The oud is a fretless, pear-shaped string instrument that has been central to Middle Eastern and Armenian musical traditions for centuries. In Western Armenian music, the oud is held to be sacred due to its expressive, emotive sound and is often used to accompany traditional songs, dances, and community gatherings, helping preserve cultural memory across generations. Among Armenian-American communities, the oud remains an important symbol of heritage and identity, connecting diasporic families to Western Armenian culture through performances, celebrations, and the continuation of traditional music practices.

Artist Diana Markosian’s ‘Father’ to Make U.S. Debut at Armenian Museum of America

Diana Markosian, “The Cut Out,” one of the images by Diana Markosian that will be featured in the Father exhibition running May 29- Sept. 13 at the Armenian Museum of America. The Armenian Museum of America will host Diana Markosian’s “Father” from late-May to mid September, and a Member Preview featuring a conversation between artist Diana Markosian and curator Anahit Gasparyan takes place on May 28. See more details in the announcement from the museum, below. The Armenian Museum of America is proud to present Father, a deeply personal and visually compelling project by internationally acclaimed artist Diana Markosian.

Landmark Gorky Exhibit Extended at Armenian Museum

This first exhibit of Arshile Gorky’s work in an Armenian museum includes paintings and drawing from the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Housatonic Museum of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, and other lenders. The following announcement was provided by the Armenian Museum of America:

Due to overwhelming interest and positive reviews from prominent publications such as Boston Art Review and Artscope magazine, the Armenian Museum of America recently announce that “Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections” has been extended to Sept. 27, 2026. The show was highlighted as a top pick by the Boston Globe and by GBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen. 

This landmark exhibition was opened to coincide with the 100 Years of Arshile Gorky programming in the City of Watertown. Curated by Kim S. Theriault and sponsored by the JHM Charitable Foundation, the exhibition brings together works from private collectors and leading institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Housatonic Museum of Art, and Yale University Art Gallery.

Aznavoorian Sisters to Playing Boston Debut Concert at the Armenian Museum of America

The Armenian Museum is hosting the Boston area debut of the acclaimedAznavoorian Sisters (cellist Ani Aznavoorian and pianist Marta Aznavoorian) on March 28. The Armenian Museum of America recently announced the first Music in Color concert of the season featuring acclaimed cellist Ani Aznavoorian and pianist Marta Aznavoorian, making their Boston debut as a duo, on Saturday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m.

The concert will feature Armenian composers alongside classical repertoire. A highlight will be the Boston premiere of Peter Boyer’s “Mount Ararat,” written for the Aznavoorian Sisters. Additionally, the program will include compositions by Komitas, Brahms (Sonata for Cello and Piano in F Major, Opus 99), Avet Terterian (Sonata for Cello and Piano), and Paganini. The Music in Color program fosters meaningful engagement with the Museum’s exhibitions, inviting audiences to experience the rich tapestry of Armenian music and art.

WEEKEND FUN: Gorky Exhibit, Free Mansion Tours, WHS Art Exhibit, Christmas Concert

This weekend’s solstice marks the point where days stop getting shorter and begin gaining sunlight. Hoorah! We are also in the middle of Chanukah, and Christmas is on its way, in case you hadn’t noticed. These December days are perfect for going to see art, especially if you want to procrastinate on your gift shopping. If you haven’t seen the Gorky show at the Armenian Museum, head on over this weekend.

Arshile Gorky Exhibit Opening at Armenian Museum of America on Dec. 12

An exhibit featuring the artwork of abstract expressionism artist Arshile Gorky will open at the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown on Dec. 12. Gorky lived in Watertown for a time, arriving in 1920 as part of a third wave of Armenians immigrants looking to escape persecution. See more details in the announcement from the museum below. We are proud to announce the opening of a landmark exhibition, Arshile Gorky: Redrawing Community and Connections, on December 12, 2025.