‘The Artist in Every Child’: Celebrating 70 years of the vision of Cora Abrahams

Saturday, 7 September 2019 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The annual exhibition of work by students of the Cora Abrahams Art Classes is due to open at the J.D.A Perera Gallery, Horton Place from 20 to 22 September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

As in all years the time has arrived paving the way to the art loving public of Colombo to witness a stunning collection of creations by students of one of the oldest ‘children’s art classes’ of the country. As a proof of what viewers are in for, a few pictures of selected work by the students are published herein.

This presentation of the joyful creations of all students aged 3½ upto 16 years is made with a deep sense of pride and achievement of the sincere, committed attempt of the teachers under the direction of the Board of Management who had strived all through the past many years at continuing the vision of the school’s Founder/Principal Cora Abrahams, a pioneer in education through art by encouraging free expression in guiding and nurturing the talent and personalities of their students.

The only criterion for selection of this latest collection of work by the students was based as always, on expression, and not merely aesthetically beautiful creations. Every expression by each of the students, besides their age differences, has to be considered as a valid reason for selection, and therefore needs to be exhibited. However, the Board stresses that constraints of space make a selection imperative, a very difficult task that has to be done each year, it ensures that every single student is represented. This year too, as always, the exhibition consists of a special feature titled ‘Festival Collection’ presenting the work of all age groups together, evidencing their individual responses to their collective cultural heritage featuring all the festivals of Sri Lanka. Emphasising on the Festival Collection, the Board of Management explained that they have had consistently for a great many years included such a collection with a view to making the students aware of at least the rich aesthetic heritage that is theirs as a result of all four great religions being present in their country.

Teachers of the Cora Abrahams Art Classes will be present throughout the period of the exhibition to answer any questions and to furnish visitors with any information related to the school. Arrangements have been made to have the 70th Anniversary Calendar – consisting of three original creations by students in each calendar, to be available to visitors – a limited number will be available for purchase

Cora Abrahams Art Classes Principal Nirmala Riza together with the Honorary Board of Trustees – Chandramani Thenuwara (Chairperson), Architect Shanta Gunaratna, Michael Anthonisz, Diana Fernando and Architect Ashly de Vos – look forward to the presence of all art enthusiasts, parents, students and teachers, at this most anticipated student’s art event of the year.