Colourful expressions 2009
Cora Abraham Art classes celebrate 60 years of education
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
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A clay model |
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A tile clay instillation |
The sight itself evoked inspiration. Hundreds of paintings adorned
the walls of the rooms while miniature clay models and handiwork were
scattered everywhere. The creations spoke for their creators who had
spent hours painfully sitting before their sketch pads, paint and brush
in hand or moulding and remoulding clay to get the correct shape they
desired.
Each stroke of the brush or each curve of the clay item was a sign of
foreboding talent of artists in the making.
Around 373 exquisite creations signified the passion and dedication
of a teacher's journey towards harnessing young minds and hands to bring
out their inborn creativity to light.
Cora Abraham Art classes celebrated 60 years in the scene with an
exhibition of creations by their students from December 4 to 6. The
exhibits done by students from four to 15 plus years were showcased at
the school which is located in Colombo 6.
Established in 1949 as the Melbourne Art classes by a pioneer teacher
of education through art, the late Cora Abraham together with colleague
Sita Kulasekera took on the much needed task of encouraging children to
take to art. Richard Gabriel soon joined in the mission and they were
able to bring the hidden talents of many children to the limelight.
After her death the school's name was changed to honour its founder
principal. With the goal of nurturing young minds to establish freedom
of expression and joyful creativity the Cora Abraham Art Classes had
surpassed many decades to be recognized as a prime institution which
guides children to brush up their skills.
It offers sketching trips for observation of nature and environment,
group work on large mural paintings or sculpture, designing cards,
illustration of books and designing items like jewellery and textiles.
Starting off in 1950 the pupils and past students of the school had
showcased a realm of the best they can offer to the public through a
number of exhibitions held in various places in the city. However 'Colourful
Expressions 2009' is the first exhibition which was held at the school
premises.
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A colourful painting |
 
Paintings in a variety of shades |
"We teach and train them on the basic techniques of art. The rest is
up to them as they can go wild with creavitity," a spokesperson at the
school stated.
Another speciality about this year's event was that around 150
anniversary calendars for 2010, each including three original creations,
was unveiled. A limited number of these is available for purchase at the
school. |
