DECEMBER 2023

NOTEWORTHY
Sterling
Heights
Sentry
Sterling artist inspired
by Mesopotamian
roots
PHOTO BY PATRICIA O’BLENES
The city of Sterling Heights’ new Featured Artist
is an Iraqi American who aspires to carry on
a millennia-long legacy of Middle Eastern art.
Reni Stephan, 42, was born in Baghdad and
moved to the U.S. when he was 11. He said his
family has plenty of musical talent, and while he
shares a love of music, his artistry is more visual
in nature.
Stephan is a sculptor and painter who owns the
Studio Lamassu Art Studio on 15 Mile near Ryan
Road in Sterling Heights. As the latest “Featured
Sterling Heights resident Reni Stephan is the city of Sterling Heights’ latest Featured Artist.
Artist,” his work will be on display at the Sterling
Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park
Road, during November and December.
Stephan explained to the Sterling Heights Sentry
that Ishtar Restaurant offered him a big opportunity
to showcase his work when, around eight
years ago, it commissioned him to make a rendition
of the famous Ishtar Gate, as well as other Mesopotamian
art. Multiple pieces of Stephan’s work are
also on display at the Chaldean Community Foundation’s
headquarters at 15 Mile near Ryan Road.
While the Mesopotamian art style isn’t prevalent
in his Featured Artist display at the Community Center,
he said he might show more of that art style if he
ever becomes a Featured Artist again.
Learn more about Studio Lamassu and Stephan by
visiting www.lamassuart.com.
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10 CHALDEAN NEWS DECEMBER 2023
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