This Independence Day, five young and budding painters in Mangalore got an opportunity to exhibit their paintings along with professional artists. Each young artist was allowed to exhibit five of his or her paintings. Ranging from watercolour, acrylic and decorative to miniature landscapes, the exhibition had many art lovers appreciating them at the Officers' Club, Hat Hill. The event was organised in association with Officers' Club and Association of British Scholars, Mangalore Chapter.
Five children were given the opportunity, taking into consideration their achievements at the national and, in a few cases, international levels. Ganesh Somayaji, artist and secretary of Artists Combine, said that the idea was to encourage children's talent as well as to inspire art lovers, many of whom were children, to take up art. “The exhibits also helped educate viewers in appreciating art. Hopefully, it would become an annual feature,” he said.
First timers
Shubham R Varnekar, of Std IX from St Aloysius High School, who exhibited water colour and acrylic paintings, said that it was his first experience in exhibiting his paintings in a professional set-up. He said it felt like a dream when he was complimented for his paintings by Mr Somayaji.
Neha B, of Std X from Canara High School, Urwa, had exhibited decorative and miniature paintings. She said that she always wanted to meet artist Chitra Mitra in person, which came true at the event.
All the young artists were happy about having been able to enter the professional arena. However, they all said they intended to continue painting as hobby. Ananya, of Std VIII from St Theresa's High School, said she would love to continue painting though her main interest was in the field of Astrophysics. For Vaibhav Shenoy, student of Std IX from Canara High School Main, and Akshay Raj, of Std X from St Aloysius High School, appreciation at the exhibition was a great motivator.
