Following its London launch, Egyptian investor, art collector and philanthropist Shafik Gabr was in Washington as his eponymous foundation hosted “East-West: The Art of Dialogue,” a two- part symposium at the Mellon Auditorium on Nov. 27. The foundation draws its inspiration from the 19th-century Orientalist painters as a means to transcend stereotypes and engender empathy. At an evening reception, showcasing the superb art, Dan Shapiro, who moderated the morning program, emphasized the danger of exclusion, the need to build connections and the power of communication. The distinguished attendees included Princess Michael of Kent, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and former Chief of Protocol Selwa Roosevelt.
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- Bill Brawner
