‘Qatar: Taking Flight’ – The Legacy Collection

‘Qatar: Taking Flight’, 2026

Rawan Ita-Diaz of Project TheraPaint

Watercolor on Paper –  10″ x 13″
Framed, Black Metal, Tru Vue Conservation Clear Glass
Certificate of Authenticity Included

After finally planting roots in America, our family began building a new life filled with opportunities we could only dream about when we first arrived. About ten years later, we found ourselves taking flight oversees once again. This time on a family trip to Qatar.

My father had been stationed there as part of his work with the American government. As a linguist, he was proud to use his skills in service to the country that had given our family a new home. This was the beginning of his service to America, something he viewed as both an honor and a way to give back.

We spent three unforgettable weeks visiting him in Qatar. For our family, it was a special experience to be in the Middle East again. There was a sense of familiarity in the language, culture, and hospitality that reminded us of our roots. At the same time, Qatar felt incredibly safe, modern, and beautiful.

We had so much fun trying new experiences, laughing at ourselves, enjoying fresh and delicious food, and experiencing the beauty of the Arab States in ways the West rarely hears about.

This was the refreshing experience I needed – to be closer to my homeland and see that it wasn’t all bad, scary, doom and gloom. It was bright, shiny, safe, and welcoming.

I remember walking through the malls and being impressed by the palm trees and waterfall features throughout. I appreciated how helpful and accommodating the people were, and of course, my favorite memory of all was riding a camel with my sister. She’s always been braver than me, even though she’s four years younger. She sat in front while I held on to her as tightly as I could. It was especially nerve-wracking when it was time to get off the camel because, no, it is definitely not like hopping off a horse! Til this day, my sister and I will laugh about the hilarious moments we shared in Qatar.

But the best part was that we got to see the pride my father felt in serving a country he chose to serve, not a tyrannic one that he was forced to sacrifice for. Watching him thrive in this way was a powerful reminder of how far God has brought our family.

Qatar National Symbol
Bird: The Falcon

Rawan Ita-Diaz is a Detroit-based artist whose paintings reflect the truths of life. A painter with a purpose, she creates art that reveals the good, the bad, and everything in between. Grounded in her Master’s Degree in Architecture & Design from Lawrence Technological University, she approaches her work with both structure and empathy, using her art to tell the stories of joy, sorrow, pride, and grief that we all carry.

Rawan entered the role of artist and advocate after a traumatic accident changed her life. In 2017, she was struck by an SUV while walking to work. Her injuries affected her mobility and introduced her to life with chronic pain. Isolated and hurting, she fell into depression and searched for purpose within new circumstances. It was then that she found therapeutic art.