This amazing piece is painted and donated by MiraCosta Aluma Neda Towfiq. Neda Towfig is a local painter of scenes and portraits. After studying art in Florence, Italy and gem science and design at the Gemological Institute of America, this alumna refined her gift of painting in watercolor on different media at MiraCosta College.

Take a moment to visit the piece up close during the auction. A detail closeup to the piece has been added here.

About The Migrant:

Hundreds of millions of people around the world have been forced to leave behind their homeland, friends and family as a result of natural or manmade disasters, persecution or warfare. Most find themselves in strange new lands not knowing anyone and barely able to speak the new language. The lucky ones are able to start new lives, make new friends and make the best of what life has given them. Yet they still long to be back home and be with their loved ones once again.

The migrant carries with her the scars of the past as a reminder of the world she came from. Some may heal over time, but many will remain for life. Despite the hardships that this migrant has faced, her eyes are filled with hope and compassion. To the observer, the hand covering the mouth can be interpreted in many ways as it conceals the emotion of this migrant. She can be hiding the joy of being reunited with her family after many years or she can be concealing the agony of witnessing yet another atrocity in her new world. What can we do to ensure that all humanity is free to openly express their love and happiness?

"I charge you all that each one of you concentrate all the thoughts of your heart on love and unity. When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. Thoughts of war bring destruction to all harmony, well-being, restfulness and content. Thoughts of love are constructive of brotherhood, peace, friendship, and happiness. "

'Abdu'l-Bahá

*the cuts and slits on the paper represents scars.