Arizona Illustrated

“May we all release and surrender to the flow of love while expanding and making a difference together,” says Lisa Agababian. Her motto is “spread peace, beauty and love!” She inscribes these words on the back of each of her unique heart sculptures. Agababian, born and raised in New York City, is a self-taught ceramic artist. She has been honing her craft since she started her journey with clay at the age of seven, at an Armenian summer camp in upstate New York. She creates ceramic heart shaped wall sculptures each tells a unique story. Since 2013, the Arizona Science Center has hosted monthly Girls in STEM events, in the hopes of inspiring girls to pursue STEM fields. Mentors working in STEM industries introduce the participants to their professions and organize enriching activities for all to enjoy. An increasing number of every-day Americans are being detained as gun smugglers at the border with Mexico. We looked at the reason behind this trend, officials’ reactions, and the family’s plea to the Mexican government. This story is a collaboration with the University of Arizona Journalism Professor, Liliana Soto.