6th Khalifa Al Qattan’s Children’s Art Workshop & Khalifa Al Qattan’s children & youth exhibition

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Congratulations to Najma Aziz Chakkiwala 6yrs, Indian Public School . Najma's painting is among the 100 winning paintings to be displayed along with some of the art works of the late artist Khalifa Al-Qattan at Khalifa Al Qattan's children & youth exhibition (6) at AbdulAziz Hussein Cultural Centre in Mishrif (next to the Mishrif co-op) on July 11, 2012. Najma along with other winning children will be awarded Certificate of Excellence, Trophies and Art Gifts.

Children were cordially invited to participate in the 6th Khalifa Al Qattan's Children's Art Workshop under the patronage of the National Council of Culture, Arts and Literature during the activities of the Cultural Festival for the Youth from 4-14 years old in the prestigious Al-Funoon Art Gallery in Dahiyat Abdullah Al Salem (by the Co-op) from 14th-17th June, timings are 9:00am-12:00pm and 5:00pm -8:pm

The Khalifa Al-Qattan Children's & Art Exhibition was created to commemorate the renowned artist Khalifa Al-Qattan. For six years now this annual event is organized by Jalila Al-Qattan, daughter of renowned artist Khalifa Al Qattan along with Friends Art lovers and Sponsors. Khalifa Al Qattan was the first Kuwaiti artist to hold a personal exhibition and also created his own unique art style called Circlism.

Najma & I have been regularly going to this Art workshop for three years now. In 2010 at Avenues Najma aged 4, looked around and was fascinated by children sitting and painting. I asked her if she wanted to draw and she nodded her head. I completed the registration formalities and gave her colors and paper she just used all colors, drew lines & circles .That year her painting was not selected, however I discovered my little artist. Thanks to goodie bag which consisted of T-shirt, coloring materials and a drawing book. After that day Najma and I spent our time coloring, drawing, we organized play dates called "Little Picasso". We spent less time with TV & video games, ipad I phones and she was busy with colors and her dancing.

In 2011 at Fanar Mall Najma aged 5, this time more aware of what she is supposed to do. I completed the form given to me- personal details on one side and the other side used for the painting. This time I noticed a unique feature of the workshop-that children brought by their parents were left to do the painting all by themselves under the guidance of Mahmoud Qattan, an accomplished artist. The children's ages ranged from four to fourteen. Once a child finished and submitted the painting, he or she was handed a gift pack to take home. After Najma submitted her painting she came out happy –Mummy! I drew a Flower Pot! We came home and soon left for summer holidays. Big surprise awaited us when we came back Najma's painting was among the 100 winning paintings. My "Little Picasso" whisper the mommy in me!

In 2012 , when I told Najma aged 6, we have to go for the drawing competition she said this year I am going to "Save the Fishes!" I was both shocked and surprised as she already knew what she wanted to draw. On Friday June 15, 2012 we went to the Al-Funoon Art Gallery, once there we complete the registration formalities like a professional artist. Najma took her form where she could draw on other side and occupied the corner seat I waited outside for her one hour later, I went to check and she said she is not yet finished. Two hours passed I went to check again and it was a beautiful picture with sun, big pot & fishes she said it finished. We handed over to Jalila , and she advised her to complete her picture with clouds. Najma loved the suggestion and went to draw again. 20 minutes later she submitted her painting this time Jalila suggested – how about some rain? Najma replied "No! I am saving the fishes if I draw rains it will flood and my fishes will go!" Jalila agreed and said to me " You have a very talented child" I humbly Thank You Jalila for helping me discover the talent in my child! I am sure many parents like myself have discovered their" Little Picasso" I would say to all Parents to spend time with your children in creative ways as I believe children are not "useless" they are use –less!

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