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Bio

Arbé was born in the town of Yeveran, Armenia in 1958. It was by no accident he became an artist. His father and his family have been involved in the various arts for generations.

In 1970, at the age of 12 years old, Arbé had his first exhibition. The art school where he was enrolled was so excited, they gave him an exhibition of his own. Arbé was able to provide over 60 paintings, “his life’s work,” for the one-person show. This event found its echo in all of the area’s newspapers as well as in the local art community. Betewwn 1970 and 1972, the artist’s paintings were exhibited in “THE WORLD BY THE CHILDREN’S EYES,” an international exhibition, which was seen in many parts of the world.

In 1975 Arbé entered THE INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN in Yeveran. From 1977 to 1984 he participated in many group exhibitions in Armenia and throughout the Soviet Union. He was commissioned by the Soviet Government to do many projects which even included a mural for the International Airport. Arbé work can be found in major hotels, theaters, and local government buildings throughout the Soviet Union. In 1981, he graduated from the Institute with the highest art degree offered, a Maters Degree in Art and Design. He was offered, and accepted, a membership in THE YOUNG ARTISTS UNION OF THE USSR.

1984 was a “brave new world” for more then Orwell readers. Arbé was allowed passage into the United States. It was not an easy life for Arbé in the beginning. No job was too small or too difficult. Arbé had a family to support, and providing for them was of the utmost importance. However, every moment he had, he was painting in his small apartment. A small area was set aside for his easel and his paints, for he knew that area of his life was to flourish. By 1989 Arbé had built up a clientele large enough to enable him to paint full time as an artist.

In 1997 Arbe created a piece with something special in mind entitled, “CITY OF LOVE, CITY OF ANGELS”. This piece was selected to be the official artwork for the Los Angeles Art Expo 1997. The title of this artwork typifies his feelings for the art community. Arbé has indeed found love in his family and in his city.

ARBÉ