Glass art exhibited in Sana’a

Nineteen budding female artists got to display their talents this week at an exhibition of the art they created with glass at Sana’a’s Yemeni Cultural Center. The exhibition was opened by Minister of Culture Mohammed al-Maflahi; Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ibrahim Hajri; and Lornax, the representative of Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.   This exhibition included more than its 30 pictures of the female artists from the IMPACT Institute for Women’s Development, which trains women in painting on glass.

IMPACT manager Bushra Abdullah, 26, began the program in the hopes that it would create new opportunities for small businesses.  The glass-painting project aims to promote the status of women and improve Yemen’s economic situation.  Additionally, increasing women’s earning potential “profits the community at large, because women tend to invest more in their families than men do,” said Abdullah.  

The project, which was founded by the Netherlands Embassy, aims to provide 20 low-income women and girls with the opportunity to spend three months training in how to make their own products, such as colored vases, and other paintings. Al-Maflahi expressed delight with the opening of such an exhibition. “This exhibition is the result of an effort by female artists,” he said.    “This exhibition proves that Yemenis female are creative,” said Hajri.  The two ministers also attended the ceremony, which was held at the Yemeni Cultural Center. The director of the Institute spoke about the diploma project, from which students got benefit, which was held for three months in the Institute.

Al-Mufalhi praised the role played by the institute in training the women and equipping them with the skills of the art of glass.  He added that Yemeni women able to excel and compete if they are given a full opportunity. The two ministers honored students who participated in this course.   Participants were excited about this exhibition. They said that it gives them their once-in-a-lifetime chance to show their pictures and let others know them.  “This exhibition gives us a chance to show our pictures to people. The Minister of Culture praised the exhibition.

The exhibition was distinct, because it consisted of pictures created by new artists and those who have the talent of painting. Besides, most of pictures are about Yemeni heritage,” said Susan Ghailan, an employer.  “The exhibition is nice, simple and of high-class; the hall is not big, but wonderful and fascinating pictures are showed,” said Samiha Asmail, a housewife. “We are proud of this exhibition. I can compare this exhibition to when a mother gives birth to her baby. It helps us to show our pictures to people. Moreover, we get to know many artists.”

Other participants agreed that this exhibition is wonderful and has many features that make it different from other exhibitions.   “It is different from other exhibitions, because of its arrangement. Pictures that are shown here are about Yemeni heritage; especially the history of Yemen. Moreover, each picture reflects the characters and features of its artist,” said Nadia al-Hashdi, a schoolteacher.   “It is a great exhibition because it gives each girl her own chance to show her pictures. I think it is also successful one,” said Dhekra al-Shami.

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