NAASR's Front Door

Hand carved in high relief, in dark walnut from Yeghegnadzor, Armenia and standing just over 8 feet in height, NAASR's exterior front door features artist and master craftsman Mels Yeghiazaryan's interpretations of traditional Armenian decorative motifs in meticulous detail. This stunning work of art, gift of K. George and Carolann S. Najarian, MD, invites one to open the door to learning and community.

Mels Yeghiazaryan explains that the ornamentation and designs incorporated in NAASR's front door are derived from biological and geometrical elements that have inspired the development and blossoming of the old Armenian miniature art that reached its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries. During the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries the regions in Armenia that produced the most amount of miniature art were Vaspurakan region's Vostan village, towns of Archel, Artske and Berkri, as well as Artsakh-Utik regions.

The centerpiece is comprised of three central modules that are stylized, intertwine with and embellish the equilateral cross (origins of the cross are from 6th century) in the middle. The symbolism behind the cross is to enlighten and reinforce the wisdom and power of the mind and spirit over the material world.