Artist Inspired by Mesopotamian Roots

Sterling Heights resident Reni Stephan is the city of Sterling Heights’ latest Featured Artist.

The city of Sterling Heights’ new Featured Artist is an Iraqi American who aspires to carry on a millennia-long legacy of Middle Eastern art.

Reni Stephan, 42, was born in Baghdad and moved to the U.S. when he was 11. He said his family has plenty of musical talent, and while he shares a love of music, his artistry is more visual in nature.

Stephan is a sculptor and painter who owns the Studio Lamassu Art Studio on 15 Mile near Ryan Road in Sterling Heights. As the latest “Featured Artist,” his work will be on display at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, during November and December.

Stephan explained to the Sterling Heights Sentry that Ishtar Restaurant offered him a big opportunity to showcase his work when, around eight years ago, it commissioned him to make a rendition of the famous Ishtar Gate, as well as other Mesopotamian art. Multiple pieces of Stephan’s work are also on display at the Chaldean Community Foundation’s headquarters at 15 Mile near Ryan Road.

While the Mesopotamian art style isn’t prevalent in his Featured Artist display at the Community Center, he said he might show more of that art style if he ever becomes a Featured Artist again.

Learn more about Studio Lamassu and Stephan by visiting www.lamassuart.com.