Artists join hands for a special cause

Create cards to raise funds for the Al Noor Training Centre.

Professional painters and budding artists from various schools brushed up a captivating palette of colours for the 2005-06 Al Noor Card collection featuring Diwali, Eid, Christmas and New Year samples.

More than 25 resident artists of various nationalities and art students above the age of 16 from six local schools contributed a kaleidoscope of art for Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.

Featured local artists include Sumaira Isaac, Liza Green, Tricia Hardie and Shirin Colabawalla. Gifted students from Dubai high schools also contributed to the effort.

Costing between Dh2.50 and Dh6.50, depending on the quality of the paper, the cards are currently available at Al Noor or can be ordered through their catalogue.

They can be customised free of charge with offset printing and one message of choice. The catalogue also features bookends, key chains, pencil holders, handbags and more, created by Al Noor students.

Isphana Al Khatib, Director of Al Noor, felt that besides being a fund-raiser, the project was a vehicle for children and artists to show off their talents.

"It's motivating for the children and good for schools to get involved. I see it as a community project that raises awareness of the children's abilities, which is very important."

Funds raised will support professional, multi-disciplinary care and training for 220 children with special needs from the ages of 3 to 21 at Al Noor.