The Art of Illumination: Nashville, TN

Reed Society is delighted to partner with the Islamic Center of Nashville and the Frist Art Museum for an evening filled with creativity and culture! On August 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Central Time), Behnaz Karjoo will guide you through the intricate art of Tazhib Illumination. Get ready to learn from a master in the field. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Islamic art, held in tandem with Frist Museum's Venice and the Ottoman Empire exhibit.

About the artist: Inspired by her early memories of Iranian mosque architecture, illumination, and calligraphy, Behnaz Karjoo pursued training in the classical Islamic arts. Under the mentorship of Mujgan Baskoylu, a distinguished master in Turkish illumination, miniature painting, and paper cutting, Behnaz began her study of illumination (tazhib) in 2011. Her dedication led her works to be exhibited worldwide, and in 2016, she earned her ijazet, a certificate of mastery in illumination. Expanding her artistic repertoire, Behnaz pursued the study of miniature painting in 2019, followed by an exploration of square kufic calligraphy in 2021. These continuous pursuits exemplify her commitment to enriching her knowledge and skill set within the realm of Islamic arts. Behnaz is an active participant in the New York Islamic Arts collective, founded by Mrs. Baskoylu, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting classical Islamic arts in the United States. In her artistic pursuits, Behnaz holds the belief that while classical arts, including illumination, have a timeless foundation, their potential for evolution and growth is boundless. She continually strives to present these art forms in innovative ways, embracing experimentation with diverse materials, colors, compositions, and designs. More about the artist here.

The Venue: The Islamic Center of Nashville (ICN) is one of the oldest mosques in Tennessee. ICN was founded in 1978 in an effort to help in the preservation of the spiritual well-being of its members as well as to foster a greater and better understanding between Muslims and people of others faiths.

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Host or Publisher Reed Society for the Sacred Arts