New York, NY

June 15, 2005: TMI hosted an event at Stephanie Odegard's beautiful New York showroom, featuring Leslie Nguyen Temple's artwork, "Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar - Precious and Fragile"; and Dr. Edwin Bernbaum's experiences on Mt. Kailash.

Presentation on Mt. Kailash

Edwin Bernbaum, Director of TMI's Sacred Mountains Program, presented an illustrated lecture recounting the story of two journeys he made across the Plateau of western Tibet to Mount Kailas, the most sacred mountain in the world for more than a billion people in Asia. His presentation depicted an awesome landscape of high altitude lakes, geysers, mountains, and canyons dotted with herds of wild asses and antelope and flocks of migrating birds. The pictures focused on the people who drift through this landscape -- nomads, traders, monks, and pilgrims -- and the sacred sites they revere as abodes of the gods and places of spiritual enlightenment.

Artwork by Leslie Nguyen Temple

Elsie Walker, Managing Director of Funding for TMI and Chair of the Board, gave a presentation on this piece of artwork by Leslie Nguyen Temple: “Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar – Precious and Fragile.” Leslie first studied Tibetan Buddhist iconography and painting with artist and husband Terris Temple – the first westerner trained in the art of Tibetan thangka painting 40 years ago. Leslie’s interest in this intricate art form developed in her use of silks and brocades blended with painting. This technique, found in Eastern Tibet, has been adapted to express traditional works as well as contemporary personal visions. Visit their website at: www.tibetcolor.com.

Jewelry

Barbara Sloan, TMI Board Member, helped to raise funds for TMI by selling her beautiful jewelry made with Tibetan stones.

Thanks to Stephanie Odegard and her employees!

TMI would like to extend a special thanks to Stephanie Odegard and her employees for helping us host a magnificent event in her NY showroom and supplying the Tibetan traditional dumplings, Momo's. To find out more information about Odegard's high-end, handmade carpets, please visit the website at: www.odegardinc.com.