Art for charity’s sake

Crafts fair in Abu Dhabi to raise funds for tsunami-affected children

If you are looking for gifts to take home or something decorative for yourself, then go to the Charity Arts and Craft Fair at the Al Qasr ballroom in the Hilton Abu Dhabi.

The fair is on May 27 from 10am to 4pm.

Says Judy Phelan of Expatwoman.com Abu Dhabi, the organiser, "Expatwoman.com Abu Dhabi had committed to fundraising for the Friends of the Orphans of Galle, a UAE-based organisation who help tsunami-affected children in Sri Lanka."

"I thought people would like to experience an arts and craft event with authentic pieces and also wanted to help develop an awareness of the skills involved in making such items. There are a lot of craftspeople and artists in Abu Dhabi and the fair aims to give priority to vendors who produce excellent hand-crafted products."

With at least 30 stalls anticipated and many of the UAE's well-known artists attending, crafts such as hand made jewellery and crocheted lace table linen will be available.

Phelan adds, "We are encouraging people to work on their crafts at the fair so the public can see what they do. The fair will also provide opportunities for people to try craft activities."

These include the potter's wheel and ceramic painting.

Children can create their own water world in a painting workshop by Ines A. Landmesser, artist and illustrator of Aisha and the Turtle, between 2 and 3pm.

Light lunches, snacks and drinks will be available for adults and children.

There will be live music from 11am to 2pm with Irish songs by Inis Iar and ballads and blues with a touch of jazz by Voices of Harmony. Also performing will be Abu Dhabi Choral Group, the Parnassus Ensemble and the Orion Trio.

Tickets cost Dh20 for adults and Dh10 for children ages 5 to 16 years.

A Dh50 family ticket will admit a family of two adults and three children ages 5 to 16 years.

Tickets are available at Hemisphere Gallery, Sinikka's Gallery in the Hilton hotel, the Alliance Française, Abu Dhabi Pottery or at the door.

The ticket also offers a chance to win prizes, including weekend breaks, meals at local hotels and language courses.