“Amal” Exhibition Showcases Children’s Art in Damascus
The Arab Cultural Center in the Abu Rummaneh district of Damascus recently hosted the opening of the “Amal” (Hope) exhibition. The event served as a showcase for the creative efforts of children and teenagers who participated in a comprehensive summer training program organized in collaboration with the Al-Raie Art Studio.
The exhibition provided a platform for participants to display their artistic output, offering insights into their perspectives and ideas through a diverse collection of works, ranging from drawings and paintings to various handicrafts.
These featured works were the culmination of intensive summer training, during which participants were taught a variety of techniques. The curriculum spanned foundational drawing skills, such as the use of wood-based pencils, to more advanced acrylic painting, with a dedicated focus on handcrafts.
Alia Rahma Al-Raie, the program supervisor, explained that the exhibition aimed to achieve more than just the display of artwork. The primary goal, she noted, was to foster a lasting commitment to art among the students and to help them develop their talents as a foundation for their creative futures. She added that the exhibition was titled “Amal” to reflect the aspiration of seeing these participants grow into young artists capable of pursuing long-term careers in the field.
Engineer Nawal Al-Boursali, a supervisor at the Al-Raie Art Studio, highlighted the pedagogical approach of the training program. According to Al-Boursali, the curriculum begins with technical basics before transitioning into the discovery of each child’s unique personality and interests. She emphasized that the program avoids rote learning, instead utilizing cognitive exercises that encourage students to innovate based on their surroundings and select color palettes that reflect their personal imagination, thereby guiding their talent toward sound artistic growth.
Instructor Mohammed Al-Barri added that the training utilized an academic approach tailored to the different age groups involved. By dividing participants into categories based on their technical capabilities, the program allowed for the organized and cumulative development of skills. The fundamental objective, Al-Barri noted, is to equip children with a solid artistic base, providing them with the confidence and proficiency necessary to reach more professional levels in the future.
Reflecting the enthusiasm of the students, participant Laura Al-Tahan described the exhibition as a significant first step on the path toward professional artistry. Fellow participant Akram Al-Midani expressed his ambition to represent Syria in international artistic forums, noting that such events strengthen children’s self-confidence and provide a genuine space for self-expression.
The “Amal” exhibition concludes its activities as a model for supporting promising talent in Syria. It underscores the importance of investing in children’s creative energies from a young age, contributing to the development of individuals capable of innovative thinking and excellence in the visual arts.
