"Christian Art" charity art exhibition

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Harapan Komuniti is a non-profit organisation that helps the poor by providing them with education, training and counseling, running HIV/AIDS, youth and children's programmes, and engages in disaster-relief efforts.

It is funded by individuals and organisations which believe in its work.

While the organisation has many plans for the future, finance stands in the way of realising its dream of setting up a one-stop centre for these disadvantaged children and youth.

As operational costs increase each year, the organisation has stepped up efforts to fund the programmes to provide for the needs of the children.

Recently, a group of 10 artists and a potter joined hands to raise funds for Harapan Komuniti through the sale of their work.

The charity art exhibition, themed “Christian Art”, was recently launched by Glad Tidings Assembly of God pastor Ng Koon Seng at Galeri Dunia Seni Lukis in Cheras.

It features 62 paintings, with prices ranging from RM400 to RM12,000.

Dunia Seni Lukis Sdn Bhd (DSLSB) business development director Liew Kian Yap said apart from local artists, the group included some from Indonesia and South Korea and they had agreed to contribute 40% of the proceeds from the sale of their work to the Harapan Komuniti charity fund.

Liew said 50% of the proceeds would go to the artists and 10% to DSLSB. The exhibition runs until July 31.

“This two-week exhibition is a run-up to the International Contemporary Art Fair 2008, which will be held at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre on Nov 26,” Liew said.

Among the artists taking part in the exhibition is Fred Galan, who has spent 44 years in the field and attributes his passion for painting to God who has given him the talent.

The others are Marivel Galan, Elisha Farida Mursalim, Ni Wayan Handoko, Pastor Chong Kengsen, Lyn Deutsch, Lam Le Siang, Yong Dong Kyu, Tommy McKoi – whose name, incidentally, is derived from his depictions of the Japanese Koi, Mary Easaw Thomas and pottery specialist Alex Tan.

“I am a firm believer in missions,” said Lam, who began his artistic career in 1974 after graduating from the Nanyang Academy Fine Arts, Singapore.

Pottery specialist Tan said his success or failure came precisely at the moment he opened the kiln.

“I draw my strength and inspiration from God. I pray before I open the kiln, entrusting the final result to God. I have done my best and leave the rest to Him,’’ said Tan.

The exhibition is open from 11am to 8pm daily except on Mondays and public holidays.

For further information, call 03-9286 3385 or visit www.artmalaysia.com.my

(Source: The Star)