JEDDAH, 24 July 2007 — The Ministry of Education this summer is sponsoring a number of art workshops aimed at increasing creativity and promoting fun through learning.

The workshops, each with a different theme, are being held six-days a week from Saturday to Thursday at various shopping malls across Jeddah and are open to any age group.

“We’re holding these types of workshops in the hopes of broadening student’s cultural outlook while helping them gain an appreciation of art,” said Talal Mohammad Gasim Ameen, director of art studies at the Ministry of Education.

“The ministry wanted to find an educational alternative to video games and amusement parks for students who remain in the city during their summer holidays as well as for tourists visiting Jeddah from other regions and cities in efforts to dispel some of the stereotypes that people have about traveling to Saudi Arabia,” Ameen added.

The first of the workshops on oil painting was held in Aziz Mall with the second workshop on Arabic calligraphy taking place at Serafi Mall last week. The third workshop, which is about painting with unique color combinations, is currently under way at the Shallal Amusement Park on Jeddah Corniche.

The Ministry of Education is also scheduled to visit Jama’a Center and Hera’a Mall to hold workshops on nature scenes and glass painting. The events are set to end with an awards ceremony to be held in Jamjoom Center in which the best artwork will be chosen from the various workshops.

Winners will receive gifts including certificates, designer watches, pens, and accessories.

“I’ve never had the chance to learn how to do Arabic calligraphy and have always thought it looked beautiful. Now I can’t believe I’m writing my own name,” said Lamia Hasan, 12, from Buraidah.

Other budding artists are also keeping their eyes on winning prizes. “I’m trying my best. I’m hoping to win an award in calligraphy,” said 10-year-old Abdul Malek, who is from Makkah and is currently visiting Jeddah during the summer break.

Following the ceremony, winning pieces of art will be put on exhibition at Jamjoom.

“Each place we visit we are more and more surprised at the number of people and families that are interested...

“We feel that our primary goal has been reached when we see so many people happy and that’s the most important thing,” said Ameen.