Comment: Melina Raissnia paints, makes abstract screen prints on brushed steel panels, and collaborates with a master Iranian "felt-maker" to design and produce wool rugs by an ancient process called felting (rolling and pressing wool fibers together rather than weaving them). Which brings us to reason #3254 why I like art (and why I spend so much time taking pictures and writing reviews): Among numerous other things, art is a bridge between cultures, in this case, Americans and Iranians. No one's trying to control, conquer, or impose anything on anybody. A handful of people are working together to understand, learn, share, create, beautify, and maybe even achieve a little bit of peace through their artistic endeavors. Raissnia calls the company that she operates with her husband Peace Industry. Steel screen prints run around $400; rugs range $600-$1500.

Artist/Artists: Melina Raissnia.