On December 5, Dr. Sylvie L. Merian, an Armenian manuscript and book scholar, will lead the First Wednesdays Conversation: Votive Offerings on Armenian Manuscript Bindings in reference to the Armenian gospel book on display in the exhibition Agents of Faith: Votive Objects in Time and Place. Museum admission and gallery programs will be free from 6–8 pm on the first Wednesday evening of the month (except September and January). Visitors will have access to the exhibitions, enjoy live jazz and free drinks.

Dr. Sylvie L. Merian received her B.S. degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in chemistry and art history, and her Ph.D. in Armenian Studies from Columbia University, writing a dissertation titled “The Structure of Armenian Bookbinding and Its Relation to Near Eastern Bookmaking Traditions.” As Curatorial Assistant, she contributed extensively to the Pierpont Morgan Library’s 1994 exhibition, Treasures in Heaven: Armenian Illuminated Manuscripts, and was a contributor to the accompanying catalogue. She is also a contributing author of the catalogue for the exhibition, Armenia!, currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which will be open until Jan. 13, 2019. She has published and lectured on Armenian codicology, binding, silverwork, and manuscript illumination. She currently works at The Morgan Library & Museum as Reader Services Librarian.

Leading support for Public Programs at Bard Graduate Center comes from Gregory Soros and other generous donors.