Zahrah Resh is the recipient of the 2026 Glen L. Taggart Award for Community Contributions to International Understanding, which is given to one or more Michigan residents who have made a distinct and sustained contribution to international understanding in their respective communities or in the state at large.

Resh, who is a contemporary American abstract artist based in Lansing, is often found in the International Center, especially during the summer months as she and her art continue to be an integral part of International Studies Programs at MSU. Her signature work, the intergenerational butterfly folding practice, has been a powerful tool for connection, healing and dialogue.

For the past two years, Resh has integrated art into the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program at MSU, a six-week leadership program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and hosted by MSU’s Alliance for African Partnership and the Department for Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities.

“Zahrah’s presence and practice transformed the fellowship experience, creating moments of vulnerability, reflection and shared humanity among fellows from across Africa,” wrote Anjam Chaudhary, director of global inclusion.

“The activities for this group of international African scholars were designed to promote self-awareness, social connection and collaboration. The setting is casual, and they are encouraged to think outside the box, explore, play and experiment with processes and materials outside their formal knowledge base,” Resh said.

In her letter of nomination, Chaudhary wrote, “Many fellows affectionately refer to Zahra as a ‘mother,’ a testament to the trust, care and sense of belonging she fosters. Even participants who initially resisted engaging in creative expression found themselves opening up, discovering their artistic voices and using art as a medium to process leadership, identity and community responsibility.”

In addition to the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Resh contributed to the second annual MSU Inclusive Impact Conference where she led more than 200 participants in creating a collective art piece entered on healing and connection. She is known throughout the community for her work with MSU AgeAlive, as well as her butterfly gardens and community art installations in hospitals, schools and public spaces.

“Zahrah’s work exemplifies the values at the heart of this award through her sustained, creative and deeply human contributions to international understanding, community building and global connection at Michigan State and beyond,” Chaudhary wrote.

She brings Southeast Asian art, culture and spirit into the heart of each community with whom she shares her talents. Through her art, she advances international understanding as a lived, relational and transformative practice, rather than as an abstract concept.

“I have learned over many years of art and art making that art is a powerful tool. It has helped me through a long recovery from an illness, build back shattered confidence and reduce emotional anxiety,” said Resh.

“I have also seen and experienced how art brings people together, breaks all kinds of cultural, emotional, economic and social barriers. It’s a medium through which differences, thoughts, ideas and experiences can be discussed and shared. Sharing experiences and perspectives can foster understanding and respect, creating lasting bonds of friendship.”