Unearthing hidden artistic talents in kids

A sea of eager young faces has gathered everyday at BurJuman shopping mall to try their hands at a form of self expression that transcends cultures and generations.

With bursts of laughter and a flicker of excitement in their eyes, children of all ages have been painting and colouring their own works of art at the Art Workshop for Kids, which is part of a variety of week-long activities and events during Arts Surprises Week.

"We try to develop and nurture hidden artistic talents in children and of course we want them to have fun experimenting with art. This kind of workshop is very important for children's developmental skills and it has been very popular throughout the week," Ali Al Hamadi, Member of Organising Committee, Arts Surprises Week, told Gulf News.

About four hundred children have registered every day at the free workshop, which provides around ten different art activities that include painting, model colouring, drawing, sand art and glitter frame making.

"I like painting because it is fun and it lets me express my creativity. It also makes me relaxed. Painting is also very exciting and it fills my life with colour," Vandana Mahtani, 17 year-old workshop participant, said.

Guides from the Fun Corner company, which organised the workshop on behalf of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, walk around the row of tables to help the children.

"I have a three-year-old who is participating in the workshop and I think it is good for her to experience art at this age to help nurture her talents and learn about the basics of colours and drawing," Abir Al Masry, a mother, said.

The workshop's success has proven that art, in whatever form it may be, can be a common passion for children as well as adults.

As part of the activities of Arts Surprises Week, painting and photograph exhibitions and competitions were on display at a number of shopping malls across Dubai. These exhibitions have not only added an air of beauty and sophistication to the shopping centres, but have also captured the imagination of visitors.

"Sometimes you look for yourself in art, especially if it has colours that grab you or make you feel relaxed. Art is also very intriguing, because sometimes I can get lost in a painting as I try to discover its hidden meanings," Kavitha Premkumar, said.

"Art is universal, because you can interpret a painting the way you see it and appreciate the passion behind it regardless of your culture or background," Ali Mohammad, said.

Evoking inspiring emotions in both the young and the old, the events and displays of Arts Surprises Week prove that art is truly priceless, whether hanging at the Louvre or clutched by a young child, going home to hang up his first masterpiece.