ROUBEN & LIZ SIMONIAN: UNCHARTED CANVAS

In partnership with L'Alliance Française Memphis, join us as we welcome  ROUBEN & LIZ SIMONIAN on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 at 6:00 pm to discuss UNCHARTED CANVAS: A JOURNEY THROUGH BEIRUT, BRUSSELS, AND BEYOND A MEMOIR: AN ARMENIAN ARCHITECT'S LEGACY

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rouben Simonian’s recently published memoir, Uncharted Canvas: A Journey through Beirut, Brussels, and Beyond, has a Memphis connection. The author, who immigrated in 1971, takes us down memory lane to past decades of the Bluff City as he settles here with pride in his adopted country.

Rouben shares the inspiring story of his Armenian heritage and his transformative journey from childhood in Beirut to a successful architectural career in America. As the son of Armenian Genocide survivors, Rouben comes of age along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. He continues his education in Brussels, encountering challenging and eye-opening adventures during Europe’s counterculture years.

By chance in a Brussels discotheque, he meets Kathy Elliston, a native of Covington, TN, and the daughter of Dr. Lewis Elliston, who served as Tipton County’s medical doctor from 1937 until his retirement. After their marriage and Rouben’s graduation from architecture school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, the couple lived briefly in Covington before settling permanently in Memphis. Kathy initially teaches French at CBHS, then transitions to a new career in finance. Rouben pursues his ambitions as he moves up the corporate ladder at Dobbs, Inc. and later at FedEx. 

However, tragedy looms on the horizon, prompting him to reevaluate his life. This heartfelt memoir explores themes of identity, resilience, and rediscovery as Rouben reconnects with lost family and finds new purpose in his ancestral homeland. Blending personal history with professional success, Uncharted Canvas serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of one man shaped by both tragedy and hope. Rouben’s story spans continents, cultures, and generations as he paints a vivid picture of his journey, where opportunity and fate shape the next strokes on his canvas.

Rouben co-wrote the memoir with his wife, Liz, who encouraged him to share his story. All royalties from this memoir benefit the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown, MA. The museum provided the authors with extensive material about Rouben’s father’s life, including his escape from the Genocide and his upbringing in an orphanage in Beirut.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Rouben Simonian, the son of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, grew up in Beirut and earned a degree in architecture from the Royal Academy of Arts in Brussels.

After relocating to Memphis in 1971, he spent much of his corporate career designing European hotels and airport facilities, later transitioning to a project management specialist in logistics and transportation. In retirement, he enjoys various hobbies, including cooking, painting, woodworking, assembling model kits, and exploring numerous creative arts.

Elize (Liz) Simonian grew up in Memphis and is a retired nurse. An avid reader, animal lover, and foodie— thanks to Rouben’s cooking—she is known among friends as a multitasking micromanager, a friend and job connector, and a serious chocoholic. Rouben and Liz reside in Germantown, Tennessee. They enjoy playing tennis, gardening, traveling, photography, cultural arts, and walking their dog while listening to audiobooks or French music. They also love entertaining friends and their grandchildren.

Rouben’s artwork is showcased on his website which also includes photos from the memoir.

ABOUT L'ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE MEMPHIS:
L’Alliance Française is a nongovernmental organization whose purpose is to promote French language and culture throughout the world. Created in Paris in 1883, it has more than 1,100 chapters in countries around the world. In the United States, the Alliance also has as a mission to promote understanding, exchange, and friendship between France, la Francophonie, and the USA. There are more than 140 chapters in the United States.

L’Alliance Française de Memphis was chartered in 1983 and offers cultural, educational and social activities for Francophones and Francophiles in the Mid-South region. We have more than 100 members, among them native French speakers, teachers, students, and people who are simply interested in some aspect of French and Francophone culture. L’Alliance Française de Memphis organizes monthly activities, normally from September through May. Some activities are conducted primarily in French, but others are open to both speakers and non-speakers of the language. We attempt to organize events that will have the broadest appeal for our members. Learn more about L'Alliance Francaise Memphis here.