MUSCAT —A young Omani student clutched his precious slime and clay artwork close to his chest as he leaves with his parent after attending the annual Summer of Arts strategic initiative conducted by the ministry of culture, sport and youth (MCSY) at the Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA) premises. Another one gathers his creations in the curve of his T-shirt. Yet another one carefully places his works in a bag.
Several boys and girl students from Omani schools have attended the MSCY’s arts programme that transforms vacation time into an opportunity to develop their inherent abilities and refine their artistic talents.
The annual programme spans 18 specialised training courses, including sculpture, pottery, painting and drawing. It engages Omani school students between the ages of eight to 18 years and will continue till August 18, officials said.
Sensory tools
Officials noted that soft and safe mediums like slime and clay act as sensory tools, which could help improve children’s fine motor skills. Clay modelling is also an apt introduction to the basics of 3D sculpture and simple design. Children present at the programme were seen freely expressing their creativity in a relaxed artistic environment. Such programmes are also entry points to teaching the children traditional pottery designs and thereby connecting them with Omani heritage.
The Summer of Arts’ programme is in pursuance of the ministry’s efforts to optimise the use of the summer vacation in a manner that benefits the target group. It seeks to engage the students in cultural and social activities through services that suit their capacities, develop their innovative abilities and refine their artistic talents.
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