Rainbow Art: unlocking creativity of children

The painted faces of children in different shades and their excited chatter at the auditorium, instantly betrayed emotion at the event. The atmosphere was convivial. It was the second edition of the ‘Rainbow Art: Unlocking Creativity series.’ Aroma of popping corn kernels in the foyer, lured guests into the auditorium, of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre […]

The painted faces of children in different shades and their excited chatter at the auditorium, instantly betrayed emotion at the event. The atmosphere was convivial. It was the second edition of the ‘Rainbow Art: Unlocking Creativity series.’

Aroma of popping corn kernels in the foyer, lured guests into the auditorium, of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja, where the second edition of the ‘Rainbow Art: Unlocking Creativity series,’ held recently.

The event, involving 36 schools from the Abuja, was organised by the National Gallery of Art (NGA). It was themed, ‘A New Nigeria: The Hope of the Nigerian Child and Youth.’

The face painting station was crowded with children eagerly awaiting their turn for bright colours to be applied to their faces. There was a display of paintings and graphic works done by the children. They had also done sculptures, fashion accessories and crafts, among others, which were also on display.

The event designed for the Nigerian children and youths, was full of different activities which held in seven ‘stations,’ identified by the seven colours of the rainbow.

These were, dance and drama, debate, beadmaking, hat and dressmaking, face painting and balloons, art competition and literary sessions.

Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Mr. Olowofoyekun Olusoji, Director, Special Duties, described the event as a great opportunity to engage the minds of the children. Deaconess Grace Isu Gekpe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Culture, stated that the NGA “by focusing on the creative acumen of our children and youths, is galvanizing them for a brighter future.”

Speaking on the importance of the event, the NGA’s Acting Director-General, Dr. Simon Ikpakronyi, explained that, the parastatal is using visual arts to educate the Nigerian child and youths, on important issues such as advocacy, democracy and nationhood.

He said, “The programme is envisaged as a formative building block for the children and youths to be firmly grounded into becoming productive citizens of Nigeria.”

Amb.  Umaru Sulaiman, chairman of the NGA Governing Board and chairman of the occasion, commended the organization, for taking the visual arts sub-sector to the next level in line with the vision of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. He pledged the Board’s support to deliver on its mandate.

The event climaxed at the two art competitions which involved pre-submitted works of art and an on-site drawing competition with the best works, exhibited.

Many of the paintings and drawings reflected the great hope the children have for the country as they expressed this in subjects on unity and prosperity. They also showed their creative skills in the use of paper, beads and strings among others to create items like slippers, handbags and others.

In the craft and technology station, Okafor Anthony created a sports car that any growing child would be eager to play with. It won him the first prize of the category.

The on-site drawing competition was centered on a fruit display which a number of students were required to draw within a stipulated time.  Chidubem Ukaukwu from GSS Garki emerged winner in that category. Some students also had the opportunity to learn paper collage on-site from staff of the NGA.

Guests were entertained with cultural performances and fashion shows by students of different schools. There was also a boisterous debate in which students argued on the pros and cons of Nigeria’s cultural diversity. Children with special needs were not left out in the fun as of those from the FCT School of the Blind gave the audience a stirring choral performance.

Speaking on the programme, its initiator and the Director, Educational Services, of the NGA, Dr. Evelyn Otaigbe, stated that it is important to include children with special needs because all children are part of the fabric of the nation and have talents to contribute.

She said, “Our target is to have a weekend full of activities like this annually, throughout the nation so as to aid the cognitive development of Nigerian children. This event with its different stations, has the building blocks to enable the Nigerian child become well rounded so that he is equipped for the position of leadership.”

Winners of the art competition in all categories went home with prizes and certificates of participation.

 

Byoma wrote from Abuja