Alison Rector, U.S. State Dept. Arts Envoy in Qatar / by Alison Rector

In April 2016,  Rector traveled to Doha Qatar through the Arts Envoy Program of the US State Department.  At the invitation of the US Embassy in Doha,  Rector met with artists, art students, diplomats and art program directors for one week.  Approximately 40 students attended Rector's Color Theory and Painting classes at Souq Waqif Arts Center as well as Katara Cultural Village.  Rector also was invited to teach a class of about 20 young girls at the Maymouna Independent Primary School for Girls in Doha.  Highlights included a plein air painting experience outdoors in the desert as well as visiting artist's studios, museums and galleries.

"It was my honor to serve as an Arts Envoy cultural diplomat in Doha",  says Rector.  "I observed life in this modern Gulf country, learning about muslim culture in the Middle East as well as the international population of Doha.   Interacting with artists from many nations who live and work in Qatar was an adventure I'll long remember."

Watch this short video of Rector speaking about her experience:  

https://twitter.com/kataraqatar/status/717042512624541697