Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar - VCUQ, Doha - Gallery news: VCUQatar Ramadan Art Camp Ends on a High note

VCUQatar Ramadan Art Camp Ends on a High note (21.9.2009)

VCUQatar's Ramadan Art Camp Concludes On A High Note

Doha, Qatar - Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar concluded the Ramadan Art Camp, that was offered to 9- to 12-year-olds, on a successful note.

The Ramadan Art Camp, with classes being taught for the first time by VCUQatar alumni, explored the basics of design and art ideas using a variety of media and techniques that 9- to 12-year-olds would understand and enjoy. Classes were held in English with Arabic assistance.

"We helped the students express their opinions about design through a number of different activities," said Hala Akkawi and Cynthia Batir, VCUQatar's recent graduates who conducted the art camp. Some of the activities included drawing from observation, concept boards, community paintings and pattern and print making. "The idea of Ramadan Art Camp came from an art program that we both assisted with during the summer. We helped two professors from Richmond, Virginia teach students the basics of art and design. Our experience with that was very successful and inspired us to work as a team and start our own class, Ramadan Art Camp. This class is the first we teach on our own," said the enterprising alumnae.

Both male and female students from many nationalities attended the classes that ran for a week from September 6 to 10 which concluded with an exhibition of their work at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Center on the last day. "The students had a lot of fun learning from us and working together to create fabulous pieces of art and were proud to show their work to their family and friends. We will definitely continue this program and encourage the younger generations to learn the importance of art and design," Ms Akkawi and Ms Batir concluded.

VCUQatar offers non-credit classes every few months during the year as part of its mission to provide educational, cultural and design opportunities to the Qatari community. All classes are open to both women and men and are taught at the VCUQatar campus. Classes are occasionally tailored for children and high school students as well. Questions regarding community classes can be directed to Valerie Jeremijenko at vjeremijenko@qatar.vcu.edu or to Lesley Gray at 492 7520 or lagray@qatar.vcu.edu.

About Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar:
Established in the US in 1838 and in Qatar in 1998 Virginia Commonwealth University offers students from all over the world the opportunity to earn Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in fashion, graphic and interior design. A team of highly skilled professors provide rigorous curricula that prepare students to assume leadership roles in the professional design field of their choice. VCUQatar regularly organizes and hosts exhibitions, gallery events, world-class conferences and holds an annual fashion show. VCUQatar is supported and funded by the Qatar Foundation. For more information please visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call +974 492 7245.

About Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to the principle that a nation's greatest natural resource is its people. The headquarters of Qatar Foundation are located within its flagship project, Education City, a fourteen million square-meter campus which hosts numerous progressive learning institutions and centers of research, including branch campuses of six of the world's leading universities, plus a cutting-edge research and development center. Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in community health and development.
For more information please visit: http://www.qf.org.qa