Iraqi-American performer and producer, Alia Shawkat, is best known for her acting work in TV shows like Arrested Development and films like Whip It and The Runaways.
She is also a talented artist, with her contemporary works featuring in high profile gallery shows including at the Known Gallery and Dilettante Gallery in LA.
This year, Ms Shawkat joins the Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) to design a custom t-shirt for their upcoming “In Their Shoes” 5K race in Alexandria VA, on June 22nd.
Ms Shawkat’s artistic style is a playful and contemporary mix of colors and textures, often taking the form of abstract cartoons.
“I’ve grown more and more curious as I’ve gotten older about my father’s heritage”, says Ms Shawkat.
“I’ve travelled to the Middle East and feel such a strong connection to the people and the environment.”
“The more misunderstood Arabs and the Muslim culture are in America, the deeper my urge is to share the beauty of our culture with Americans and in my art”.
Ms Shawkat’s father came to America from Baghdad in the 1970s with only $200 in his pocket, and eventually started his own business.
Her father has been an active participant in charitable giving for children in Iraq, and this commitment clearly runs in the family.
“I’m open to every opportunity that allows me to help children in need”, says Ms Shawkat.
Iraqi Children Foundation invests in education, legal protection, and medical on-the-ground support for Iraq's most vulnerable orphans and street children.
An investment in these children is an investment in the future of Iraq.
In 2018, ICF provided 14,200 meals for children enrolled in their education programs, and handled 675 legal cases for children, including the victims of sex trafficking.
Without these critical services, these children are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation by criminals, traffickers, and extremists.
The event, now in its 7th year, promises to be a fun family-friendly morning, with an after party including Iraqi music, snacks, and entertainment.
For those who can’t make it to Alexandria, donations can be made online, or registrants can sign up and note their location as a “remote runner” in the comments (ICF will send remote runner’s shirts with free shipping in continental US).
Race details:
ICF’s “In Their Shoes” 5K will be held at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at 0800 on June 22, 2019 (registration opens at 0700).
Registration link: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/OldTownAlexandria/InTheirShoes5KIraq
For more information please contact Liz McRae: liz@iraqichildren.org
Alia Shawkat’s art can be found at mutantalia.com
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