The recently-opened Millefiori Gallery is the hub of the Eastern Province’s art scene and represents both traditional and modern Saudi art. Run by four ladies of the Al-Khudairy family — Mother Hala and her three daughters, Zainab, Nouf and Dhuha — the gallery also looks at artistic perceptions across different age groups.

What binds them together, however, is an encouraging and supportive extended family of artists and musicians. Despite coming from technical professions such as civil engineering, optometry and pediatrics, there is no dearth of creative genes in the family.

Drawing inspiration from the unique Italian millefiori glasswork technique, they named their gallery just that — “mille”, which means thousand, and “fiori” which means flowers. It helps that Nouf uses the millefiori technique to create most of her art, using dichroic glass made from ultra-thin layers composed of different metals such as gold and silver. Through the process of cutting, grinding, firing in a kiln, and fusing together, she transforms the dichroic glass into a crystal structure.

Some of her popular designs include small, intricate musical instruments and floral designs that can be worn as jewelry.

“Each of the tiny ‘flowers’ takes a day to make and each piece of art can easily take up to a month or more,” Nouf says.

Other popular pieces include wall-hangings that can only be described as modern chic — black stone female silhouettes adorning millefiori jewelry.

In sharp contrast to Nouf’s work, Mother Hala creates art that depicts traditional Saudi life and culture, incorporating graphic design, Bedouin jewelry, and ceramics in her work. Since retiring three years ago, she has been able to dedicate more time to the art group and also conducts glass and ceramic classes for adults.

Inspired by her childhood in Iraq, Dhuha captures old Arab cities in acrylic paintings, depicting men going about their daily business and women looking out of their doorways.

Unlike Nouf, Hala and Dhuha’s approach of building from scratch, Zainab believes in recycling and reusing. She has created works of art using old Barbican bottles that are fused together and then painted on in order to create coffee-table coasters. With 15 years of experience, Zainab uses her skills in cross-stitching, silk painting, and ceramics to conduct art classes for children.

“We learn from each other, and we encourage each other along the way. My mother has always been a driving force; she has taught us to appreciate beauty and understand the value of art,” Zainab says.

When talking about the art scene in Dhahran, Zainab says: “My mother has been instrumental in getting members in the art group and encouraging Saudi men and women to come forward with their talents and display their creative sides.”

She further adds that the creative landscape has changed significantly over the years. “There are many local artists now, especially young people.” She is pleasantly surprised to see young talents bringing in modern expressions of art such as graphic design and special effects.

Since there are logistical difficulties in buying artwork from private galleries and exhibitions, the wider community encouraged the Al-Khudairy ladies to set up shop and sell their masterpieces.

When asked who the gallery’s prospective customers are, Zainab replies: “People who are looking for unique artwork that is not found anywhere else in the Kingdom… Those who appreciate art and understand the hard work and emotions that go into it do not view it as simply a ‘painting hanging on the wall.’ It may also be people who like to promote local Saudi art and artists or also those who simply have greater awareness.”

At the cornerstone of the gallery’s operations is the shared philosophy that an artist is the best salesperson for his or her work. As customers come in, the ladies take time to explain what their artwork entails. Customers appreciate this personalized service and see the object in a new light, both as an item of value itself, and the fruit of hard work.