Date:22/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/22/stories/2007042206060200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Paintings inspire hope

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Association of People with Disability (APD) is holding an exhibition of 50 paintings by children with disabilities, students of fine arts and a few renowned artists, at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan till Sunday.

The paintings were made at a programme, "Kalamela — inclusive world of Art", on April 7 and 8.

Kalamela was part of the association's efforts to create a platform for children with disabilities and professional artists and to enable the children to consider art as a possible profession. Kalamela was also conceived of as an occasion to promote acceptance and integration and instil self-confidence in these children.

APD organised the programme in association with Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy and the Ken School of Arts.

At the programme, 60 people, including artists such as James Mani, M.B. Patil, Varnasindhu, Venugopal, Bhavani, Prahalad, Manjunath and Ramakrishna and students of fine arts, participated.

The proceeds of the sale of paintings at the exhibition will be used for the education, medical rehabilitation and other needs of children with disabilities.