Painting contest for blind artists

JAKARTA (JP): A painting contest for blind artists will be held at the Lippo Supermal Karawaci in Tangerang, about 30 kilometers west of here, on Oct. 30, organizer Sukyatno Nugroho said yesterday.

According to noted restaurateur Nugroho, the contest will be held to highlight the opening of the 193rd outlet of his Es Teler 77 franchise restaurant and the third outlet of his Pasti Enak Sea Food franchise restaurant.

Nugroho said that the painting contest for the blind is mainly aimed at providing motivation for the handicapped, who are -- despite their physical conditions -- still able to do something useful in society.

"Their paintings may only be in the form of imaginary ones. But they will show that they can do something for others," he said.

The winning paintings from the contest will be auctioned off and the funds collected will be distributed to social organizations such as orphanages, he said.

The opening of the two outlets will coincide with the launch of a national campaign to increase fish consumption.

According to Antara, Nugroho indicated that three government ministers will be on hand at the ceremony: Ibrahim Hassan (Minister for Food Affairs), Soebiakto Tjakrawerdaja (Cooperatives) and Tungky Ariwibowo (Industry and Trade). (bsr)