Damascus, Oct. 1 (SANA) Participants aged five to over 60 displayed paintings, calligraphy and crafts at a Damascus exhibition Wednesday, marking the completion of a free summer arts course at the Nazir Ismail Educational Center for Fine Arts.
The exhibition, titled “Damascene Fingertips,” brought together between 60 and 70 children, adults and teachers at the Arab Cultural Center in Mezzeh, instructor Mu’taz al-Omari told SANA.
Works included watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, Arabic calligraphy, collage and handicrafts, with several depicting Damascus and its cultural heritage. The event also featured musical performances and a ceremony honoring participants.
For artist Izdihar al-Akk, who began painting after raising her children, art became a way to cope with depression following her husband’s death.
She started with pencil and charcoal before moving to acrylics and oils and has since participated in more than 15 exhibitions in Syria and Lebanon. She said her experience showed that pursuing art has no age limit.
Jalal al-Ghazzi, director of educational fine arts centers at the Damascus Education Directorate, said the Nazir Ismail center is one of eight affiliated with the Ministry of Education offering free courses to different age groups.
The courses cover drawing, Arabic calligraphy, clay modeling, sculpture, handicrafts, engraving, printmaking and music.
Al-Ghazzi said displaying their work helps children build confidence and develop visual and motor skills, while older participants have discovered talents later in life.
Teacher and artist Alaa al-Kilani said teaching art helps participants discover and develop their abilities. Her own acrylic paintings explored human themes.
Artist Najwa al-Sharif described art as a means of expressing identity and supporting emotional recovery. She also highlighted the use of recycled materials to create artwork that could be sold.
N.J/MF
