Island Artists
Yesterday I went to an Art Show. It was an exquisite display by the Colombo Centre for Special Education. This centre works with “intellectually impaired” people (their label) – it provides a half day programme where the students learn about living skills, get access to occupational and speech therapy and participate in dancing, sports and of course, art. I like their mission statement: “To provide a haven for those who are otherwise able, to prepare them with skills that engender self reliance and independance”.
The show was at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, a famous art gallery in the city. As I was walking around and checking out the many paintings and wall hangings, there was no shortage of sharp-dressed students coming up to point out their masterpieces. There was such pride in the artists as they showed me their work.
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The Art Show is a fund-raiser for the centre which operates only on donations. Not only was there a collection at the door but also many of the art pieces had a nominal price tag attached. Once a piece was purchased a little green tag would go on it indicating it was sold. Once I realized the system, I noticed that most of the pieces had been sold and the show had only been open for two hours!
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Mark and I are now the proud owners of two pieces of Sri Lankan art – “Bright Eyes” by George and another by Joshua. I’m not sure they will fit in the suitcases to come home but at least we’ll be able to enjoy them while we’re here… a little colour for our stark white walls! Here is Joshua with our painting “Chirpy-Chirpy-Cheep”:
