JEDDAH, 20 June — A summer exhibition of 42 pieces of art opened at the House of Artists at Jamjoom Center here last night, on the eve of the two-monthlong Jeddah tourism festival which Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed will open today.
Chief guest Khaled A. Al-Maeena, Arab News editor in chief, cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration of the art show that will continue till June 30. After a tour of the exhibits, Al-Maeena said: "This is the first time Arab News has sponsored an art show, which also marks the year’s first summer exhibition. It’s important that such cultural activities take place and our young people take part in them because there is no lack of talent here. Various institutions and companies should come forward to assist people involved in art."
House of Artists Chairman Saleh Bogari, who took Al-Maeena around the show, said the exhibits were all works of member-artists. On display are paintings of abstracts and stills as well as other art forms including sketches and metals depicting the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom. "We’ve priced the exhibits from SR500 to SR3,000 in a bid to make them more affordable for art lovers," Bogari said. House of Artists, which has 140 members including 50 women, is conducting a summer course at the venue to teach art to interested learners and amateurs. The six-week course, conducted by two experts — a male and a female — will be held three times a week.
More than a dozen artists whose exhibits are on show were among art lovers and enthusiasts present. Visibly impressed by the quality of paintings was Japanese Deputy Consul General Yoshitaka Kitagawa. He said: "I’m impressed by the standard of local artists. I hope artists and their works get the appreciation they deserve."
Ahsan Rashid, president of Alhamrani-Fuchs Petroleum Saudi Arabia Ltd., said: "Art should be encouraged and our company does not lag behind in supporting such activities that contribute to enriching the Kingdom’s culture and heritage. He referred to a colorful calendar his company brought out with the help of paintings."
S.M. Arshad, marketing manager of LG Electronics, said: "LG sponsored an exhibition at the same venue a few months ago. Just as we sponsor sports events, we also have schemes for encouraging art shows and other cultural activities."
