Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m., Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library, Monument Square, Portland

Henna body painting is one reflection of the centuries-old Muslim heritage of Zanzibar in East Africa.  A group of Zanzibari women have recently translated traditional henna designs onto canvas and paper, gaining artistic and financial independence.

A professor of African art, an artist who has taught in Zanzibar and two architects, all from Portland, will share historical perspectives on the region’s art and architecture as well as their experiences collaborating to support and design a gallery space for these women artists.

With Aimee Bessire, Professor at Bates College and an expert on traditional and contemporary African art; Alice Spencer, a painter and printmaker whose work has been exhibited here and abroad; and Pamela W. Hawkes and T. Scott Teas, founders of Scattergood Design in 2013 after decades as principals in architectural firms in Boston and Portland, respectively.

This event is presented by the Camden Conference in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Maine and Portland Public Library.