The Art Club of ANC bringing about necessary change

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‘Change Within 2013’, an art exhibition organized by the Art Club of ANC Education, brought school and university talent to a whole new platform as it showcased hidden and unspoken issues prevalent in today’s society. The event, which was held at the Park Street Mews, was organized by a group of dedicated students who worked tirelessly and suffered many setbacks as they strove to make this exhibition the success that it was. The paintings and sketches that were submitted illustrated the artists’ perception on forms of harassment, how the children can be safeguarded and the issues women in our society face.
In light of these social issues, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also came on board to support ‘Change Within’. They set up a small stall where they sold beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry, cards and small paper mache containers all designed and created by the patients of the NIMH. Veteran children’s book writer and illustrator, Mrs Sybil Wettasinghe graced the occasion as chief guest for the day. She heartily commended the students for organizing an event of this nature, and taking the initiate to bring forth change, no matter how small. She spoke about the lack of understanding and knowledge about social issues and how very necessary it is to create awareness. If issues such as abuse, harassment, discrimination, HIV AIDS etc go unspoken and people believe everything is alright, then in their minds the issues do not exist, and therefore do not need to be addressed.
Among the other speakers present, were Tharika Peiris, the 2012 Art Club President who initiated the project and Ashani Perera, her successor who helped continue Tharika’s vision. They acknowledged the commitment and the work put in by different people to make this exhibition a success by giving out tokens of appreciation. The winners of Change Within 2013 were also announced and their awards distributed.
Among the guests who came to Park Street Mews to view the paintings and witness a movement of change, were little children. They had the opportunity to enjoy the day, meet the iconic Sybil Wettasinghe and break out their crayons and paints and put their creativity down on paper. Mr Sudath Abeysekara, from the Art Way Gallery was also present at the exhibition and conducted small workshops on the importance of art. Freelance wildlife artist and photographer, Mr Jagath Kodituwakku, set up canvas and easel and painted. A group of ANC students performed a dance they had ready for the event and entertained the crowd with their slick moves. Overall, the exhibition was well planned and a huge success for the Art Club.
The winners of the exhibition were:
Under 20 Category:
1st place – Heshali Wejesurya from Devi Balika, Colombo
2nd place – Fathima Sabrina Zarook from Badi-ud-din Mahmud Girls’ College, Kandy
3rd place – Azra from Badi-ud-din Mahmud Girls’ College, Kandy
The Above 20 Category:
1st place – Zainab Miskin from ANC Education
2nd place – Priyadarshiny Sandanapitchai from ANC Education
3rd place – Malsha Dias from ANC Education