The Art that Survived the Armenian Genocide MEMORY OF THE MARSEVAN ARTBOOKS: THE HEALING ART OF VICTORIA KHATCHERIAN
Khatcherian was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide who, through her art, preserved not only her own story but also the spirit of an entire people. From Marsevan, Armenia (now Turkey) to Fresno, California, her delicate drawings—fragile yet powerful testaments to endurance—survived against all odds.
Khatcherian created her remarkable designs before 1907 as part of her work to earn a teaching credential in Marsevan, never imagining that they would one day become a symbol of cultural resilience and hope. One of these original works now forms the foundation of the Armenian Museum’s new logo, ensuring that her vision lives on as a beacon of remembrance, strength, and inspiration.
The exhibition’s opening coincides with the Month of the Holy Translators, a time when Armenians around the world celebrate the Golden Age of Armenian culture—marked by the creation of the Armenian alphabet in 404 AD, and the translation of the Bible in 436 AD
“We are honored to curate this world premiere exhibition and grateful to the Knar family for entrusting her grandmother’s artwork to us,” said Varoujan Der Simonian, Director of the Armenian Museum of Fresno. “Victoria’s story embodies survival and preservation, and her art reflects the Museum’s mission to preserve and share the stories that connect generations—past, present, and future.”
A private reception for donors will be held on October 30 to inaugurate the exhibition. The museum is especially honored to welcome Victoria’s grandchildren, Jane Knar and Randy Knar, who will join the celebration and share in this meaningful tribute to their grandmother’s enduring legacy.
“Her designs are as relevant today as they were 120 years ago, and to me that is just remarkable,” said Jane Knar, Khatcherian’s granddaughter and caretaker of her art. “When my grandmother came to the United States, she passed along the designs to my father and told him that they were very precious to her and that he must keep them as a treasure and pass them along. When I got my teaching credential, my father handed them to me like a present and told me that now it was my turn to care for them. I feel blessed that I have been able to carry this work for all these years.”
In conjunction with the exhibition, select designs by Victoria Khatcherian have been reproduced on T-shirts, notecards, and other gift items, available for purchase in the museum gift shop. Proceeds will support the ongoing preservation and presentation of her work, helping to share her story with future generations.
This exhibition has been made possible, in part, by funding from the City of Fresno Measure P, Expanded Access to Arts and Culture, administered by the Fresno Arts Council.
