Kids of determination join artists in painting Zayed artworks

Dubai - Twenty artists joined hands with 20 kids of determination to paint 20 canvases dedicated to the Year of Zayed in a matter of few hours.

Established UAE artists of various nationalities brought colour to the life of people of determination at the Rashid Centre for the Determined Ones. Students with autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome and some on wheelchair - who otherwise would have difficulty in even raising their hands or following instructions - were miraculously able to paint beautiful artworks on canvas with the help of the artists.
Twenty artists joined hands with 20 kids of determination to paint 20 canvases dedicated to the Year of Zayed in a matter of few hours. They gladly sang and danced just to motivate the students, aged 8 to 14 years, to participate in the event, which was aptly called 'Joining Hands'.
It was an initiative organised by sisters Shiba Khan and Farah Khan through their non-profit art platform Funun Arts, which represents emerging artists from various nationalities in the UAE.
"Each artist bonded with a determined one, and then along with the child painted their emotion and thoughts on canvas, keeping it in line with the theme of the Year of Zayed. This event left unforgettable memories on their hearts, as not only did the determined ones enjoy with the colours but they also felt a sense of achievement on seeing a beautiful art work come out of their effort," said Shiba.
The event began at 9.30am with the artists assembling and singing songs for the children. The kids drew lots to get their artists, then they moved towards the canvas and started their artwork, which went on until 2.30pm.
Among the participants were three young student artists Khan Ayaan Abdullah, 14; Vidhushi, 13; and Humera Mdanai, 16; who especially skipped a school day to be part of the event. "Art to us is a unique way to express our feelings and make others happy," Mdanai said.
For the Khan sisters, creativity is indeed a way to spread happiness.
"The idea of this event was firstly to serve the society and for us artists to spend some quality time with these students, bring smiles on their faces, and make them feel that they are important and that they hold a special place," Shiba said.
Mariam Othman, co-founder and director of the Rashid Centre for the Determined Ones, said: "The challenge of disability is the beginning of creativity.
The loss of any part of the body does not mean the end of life, it is the beginning of communication, creativity and altruism."
All the paintings displayed some aspects of the late Sheikh Zayed's vision and life.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai