Reviving Afghan Culture: Exhibit showcases efforts to keep artistry alive

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Efforts are being made by a non-government organization to save Afghanistan's cultural heritage from being buried by conflicts. A recent exhibition held in Washington brings some Afghan arts into the public view.

Imagine only being able to live on the second floor of a building because 30-thousand tons of trash are blocking the first level.

TOMMY WIDE DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITIONS, TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN "When we arrived, the garbage was lying six feet in the street."

This was the reality 10 years ago during the Taliban's rule in a historic district of Kabul. It was one of the world's most endangered sites, until the British NGO Turquoise Mountain, stepped in.

TOMMY WIDE DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITIONS, TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN "We've restored, rebuilt over 100 buildings, full drainage, primary school and health. I think we now have a happy and health community."

They set up shop in a courtyard dating back to the 19th. century - one of the places they unearthed. It's now transformed into an art institute and helping to revive the area's cultural heritage by teaching traditional Afghan art.

TOMMY WIDE DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITIONS, TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN "Afghanistan has been told for so long that these things are somehow backward."

Turquoise Mountain says it's looking forward. It's bringing Afghan Artists to Washington, and featuring them in an exhibit at the freer and sackler galleries.

Artists like jeweler Saeeda Etebari and Nasser Mansouri - a woodwork master of classical carving.

TOMMY WIDE DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITIONS, TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN "These opportunities are really huge for them, because they are the leaders of the future."

For some visitors-- it's their first exposure to Afghan art and Afghans.

FRANCES KUO WASHINGTON "The exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with the art, letting them not just see, but touch and feel."

There's illumination painting -- using bambo reeds and pigments from plants and crushed minerals to create detailed designs and intricate rugs with dyes derived from plants. All made of natural materials from Afghanistan.

TOMMY WIDE DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITIONS, TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN "To see Afghanistan not through the lens of war but through the lens of beauty."

And through art, the hope is to change the view of Afghanistan beyond the conflict. And to pass along a proud tradition- in hopes it will literally never be buried. FRANCES KUO, WASHINGTON.