Halla Ayla is an Iraqi born artist currently living in the Francisco Bay Area.

Before her move to the US, Ms Ayla lived between Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia after which she lived in Europe for 15 years.

Halla has been a photographer for over 20 years and began painting in her early thirties. She combines photography with painting and collage to create unique mixed media painted photographs from her journeys to the Middle East.

The Magic of Morocco is the first in a series of exhibits that focus on the Arab world and aim to reveal the unique beauty, vibrancy and richness of the Arab culture.

The second in the series, The Arab World Unveiled, is an exhbition on Egypt: Past and Present called The Mysteries of Egypt.

The most recent works are entitled Everyday Enchantment and focus on the Levant: Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

By presenting an alternative perspective and visual of the Arab world she hopes to alter errant perceptions and instead create bridges of empathy and understanding between the two cultures: East and West.

She has been invited to speak to a variety of audiences about the Arab world, deflecting the damaging stereotypes that prevail about the region.

She gave the keynote address at a Red Cross Annual Meeting where she spoke about the historic legacy of the Arabs and its impact on today's world.

Ms. Ayla has appeared on national and local radio and television such as ABC's "Good Morning America" as a champion for Arab art culture and humanity.