Painting for Obama by Iranian-American organization in Cupertino, California

This painting (canvas, mixed media), which was a group artwork by members of the community, was completed on November 28, 2008. It was presented to the city of Cupertino on December 1, 2008.

Fine Art Artist: Fariba Nejat
Graphic Artist: Ms. Helga Taylor
Photographer: Alireza Rahimi
Edit: Anooshiravan Sassanzadeh
Coordinator: Leila Heidari
Text: Jonathan Butcher
Music: Mehrdad Dousti

The message: This painting is a gift from the Iranian-American organization in Cupertino, California to President Barack Obama . The poem is by the Poet Saadi of Shiraz / Iran , 1184-1291 CE.

Human beings are the limbs of one another as a whole,
Who in creation are of the one essence and soul.

When a limb is afflicted with pain,
Other limbs also uneasy will remain.

For one not sympathetic to others pain,
The name of human cannot be attained

We, the members of the Iranian Federated Women's Club and Payvand Cultural School, affirm that the contribution of all is necessary for the success of all, and that our collective success is determined by following a shared vision – shared as individuals, as a community, as a nation – guided by a strong leadership.

This painting symbolizes the faith we place in President-Elect Barack Obama, who manifests our hope for the unity of many diverse people groups; we wanted to present him a gift that represents our humanity, not our politics, in the cause of moving our great nation forward.

As illustrated in the accompanying video, many non-artists contributed to this work. Just as it is not easy for artists to let others touch their art, it also can be difficult to entrust our lives and our values to another. This painting is proof that when the vision is clear and the visionary remains actively engaged, the successful outcome is ensured.

With the help of Hon. Laura Casas Frier, the painting was delivered to the office of Hon. Congressman Mike Honda who represents the 15th Congressional District of California in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Painting is now in Washington DC, and Congressman Honda will be presenting it to President Obama.

About: Iranian Federated Womens Club and Payvand are local, non-profits, nonpolitical and non-religious organization. Its mission is to integrate and empower the Iranian-American community and to promote the arts and culture in the Community by sponsoring educational programs, scholarships, and cultural activities.

Related Article: Cupertino council votes not to send gift painting to new president - The Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 not to accept and mail a painting of President Barack Obama because of concerns about making a political statement and setting a precedent for sending gifts. - By Matt Wilson, Cupertino Courier