Sudanese calligrapher, Al-awad Mustafa, was trained in Khartoum and has been teaching calligraphy since the 70s. Some of his work that I think is pretty fantastic! 

Lovely customizable eid greeting cards and photo greeting cards by Tiny*Prints. 

Dobo, Inc is a graphic design company that offers exceptionally designed products that range from cards, calendars, wall arts, and gifts. Dobo is another ISNA find that are always something to look forward to every year in the bazaar. Here are some of their products that are so beautiful. Makes for some great gifts! See more here. 

Another ISNA 09 find was Rasheed’s Calligraphy. Based out of Karachi, Pakistan – Rasheed was in the bazaar among other calligraphers but his style was stood out among the crowds. His style was very Jackson Pollack like with paint drops and fluid brushstrokes. I immediately was drawn to his images. He created suprising depth and beautiful colors in his calligraphy. Unfortunately I didn’t get any images and his site left more to be desired but here are a few samples. You can view more here.

An all time favorite calligrapher with a unique timeless style is Haji Noor Deen. His unique style combines Chinese and Arabic calligraphic traditions from the pen to the paper – using the Chinese scroll as a canvas for his work. “When combined the result is an artistic piece that is a work of incredibly unique beauty, and a testimony to man’s synthesizing genius.” His style of calligraphy is organic and fluid and he brings together cultures in a way that can only be appreciated.

Visit his beautiful site and online gallery  here.

Some of my favorites:

Sakina Design was another very cool design, art venture at ISNA 09. The online store doesn’t open till August 2009 (watch for it here) but promises clean and simple, yet elegant (think West Elm) designs. I am really looking forward to it.  Here’s a picture from the booth at ISNA. Sakina Design is definitely something to watch out for!

I discovered PA at ISNA 2009 in Washington DC and was pleasantly surprised by their thoughtful creative designs that carry a deeper message that all of us should be aware of. Creative and smart, that’s pretty awesome. Here’s a statement from the PA site (here) I found to be moving:

Profound Aesthetic is a method of self-expression coupled with the intellectual stimulation of twentieth century popular culture, encouraging people to think for themselves and to find the greatest beauty in the simplest of concepts. Profound Aesthetic is discovering the intellectual depth in that which is pleasurable to the senses in every visual format of expression.

Some of their fabulous tee’s:

Iranian Graphic Designer — Reza Abedini designs posters for various events/occasions that are really eye catching and graphically superb. He uses the letterforms in innovative ways that are truly inspiring. Check out more here.

Currently on view is an exhibit “Bidoun ism – Design Virus Affects the Middle East” (see images) at the Al Sabah Gallery. A space devoted to design and art in Kuwait. They also have a shop wit the gallery called I Love Souk (site to come) — full of design and art related books and items you’d normally find at Urban Outfitters. Pretty cool stuff.

Lena Merhej, artist and children’s book Illustrator from Beirut. She has a unique fun and whimsical style of illustrations that are really great.  See more here!

From her illustrated book, “Where do my fingers go?”