Meet the Artisans
Sumaya Hawamda
Sumaya Hawamda is a community leader and the head of the Al-Samou’ Women’s Charitable Society, where she leads women’s empowerment initiatives and community campaigns.
As a craft practitioner, Sumaya works with traditional Al-Samou’ weaving, crochet, embroidery, knitting, and other handicrafts. She is particularly committed to passing weaving skills on to younger generations through workshops and community-based learning. She is also a member of the Palestinian Library and Information Association and has participated in local and international library conferences
Hamada Maddah
Hamada Maddah is an artist and sculptor born in 1980 in Majdal Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Damascus University, awarded in 2006, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art at Dar Al-Kalima University College of Arts and Sciences in Bethlehem.
A founding member of the Fatah Al-Mudarris Center for Arts and Culture, Hamada currently teaches sculpture at the Faculty of Art, Music and Design at Birzeit University and art at Dar Al-Kalima University. He also teaches visual arts and sculpture at various cultural and artistic institutions in Palestine and the Golan Heights, including the Fatah Al-Mudarris Center for Arts and Culture, the Palestinian Art Court, the A. M. Qattan Foundation, Khalil Al-Sakakini Cultural Center, and the Palestinian Museum.
Salim Atiq
Salim Atiq is a master craftsman specializing in traditional Palestinian mother-of-pearl inlay, a craft passed down through generations. With decades of experience in both production and teaching, he has played an important role in preserving and developing Palestinian handicrafts. His practice combines deep respect for heritage with technical precision, contributing to the continued transmission and evolution of one of Palestine’s cherished artisanal traditions.
Simon Odeh
Simon Odeh is a Palestinian artisan and creative project developer specializing in traditional olive wood carving. His practice focuses on preserving the heritage of the craft while adapting its techniques to meet contemporary design needs. With extensive experience in supporting and mentoring emerging designers and artisans, he helps develop ideas into tangible, market-ready products while maintaining the authenticity and cultural identity of Palestinian craftsmanship.