Damascus, Sept. 10 (SANA) Children and young people showcased work developed during a summer art training program at the “Amal” exhibition in Damascus, an initiative aimed at nurturing artistic talent and giving young participants a space to express their ideas and emotions.
Organized by the Arab Cultural Center in Abu Rummaneh in cooperation with al-Rai Art Studio, the exhibition featured drawings, paintings and handicrafts produced through a program tailored to participants’ ages and abilities.
The program introduced children to techniques including colored pencils and acrylic painting while encouraging them to experiment, develop individual styles and use art as a form of self-expression.
From basic skills to individual expression
Alia Rahma al-Rai, a supervisor of the program, told SANA the exhibition marked the culmination of the summer training, which sought to combine learning with enjoyment and creative expression.
She said the name “Amal,” Arabic for “Hope,” reflected the organizers’ ambition to encourage children to continue developing their artistic abilities and potentially pursue art at a more advanced level.
Nawal al-Boursali, a supervisor at al-Rai Art Studio, said the program went beyond teaching basic drawing and color techniques, with instructors seeking to identify each child’s interests and abilities and nurture their individual creative potential.
Exercises encouraged children to make their own artistic choices, experiment with colors and draw inspiration from the world around them, she said.
Building confidence through art
For some young participants, displaying their work publicly also offered a chance to imagine a future in art.
Laura al-Tahhan described the exhibition as a first step toward becoming a professional artist, while Akram al-Maidani said he hoped one day to represent Syria at international exhibitions.
Organizers said exhibiting their work publicly can help children build confidence and encourage them to view art not simply as an educational activity, but as a means of expression, experimentation and self-discovery.
The exhibition highlighted an approach to children’s art education that combines technical training with creativity and individual growth, giving young people space to explore their abilities and find their own artistic voice.
N.J/ABD
