Eric and Sheila Azari were patrons of the arts in Tehran from the late 1950s through the 1970s. In their home they created the unique environment of creativity, tolerance, inspiration and cultural exchange that allowed many of Iranʼs artists of the time - both men and women, some already established and others completely unknown - to explore new avenues of expression. Deeply passionate about Iranʼs history and rich culture, Eric and Sheila collected broadly, and in so doing they sought out and encouraged a new generation of Iranian artists.

Their interests ranged from antiquities to the emerging modern art of the time, and they enthusiastically supported the budding Saqqakhaneh movement spearheaded by Charles Hossein Zenderoudi, Parviz Tanavoli, and Faramarz Pilaram - all of whom went on to international acclaim in their careers.

They met at the University of California at Berkeley where he was studying Physics and she was a Fine Arts major. Upon returning to Los Angeles from Tehran some years later they endeavored to create a living link between the United States and Iran, where his family had its roots. Their unique collection of modern art became the vehicle for a new and dynamic cultural exchange. It was the focal point for a deeper understanding of history, human nature and the world at large. During a time of great change, Eric and Sheilaʼs collection delivered a unifying message of peace through the powerful aesthetics of art.