Students study fine arts

Dyah Hapsari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Singapore International School

The students tearing down the corridor are not late for class but eager to see where their artwork has been hung in the school's annual display.

When all had arrived, the budding artists whose works had been selected as the most outstanding gave a floor talk to a group of around 400 students and parents.

Art and Craft Exhibition Day at the Singapore International School in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, is held every year in August to explore and develop the students' artistic expression.

The parents of pre-school students are also invited to observe their children's art and craft class.

Nursery and kindergarten students worked on Friday under the guidance of art teachers, on projects together with their parents (see photo).

"This program helps my child to explore her creativity and gives her the confidence to say what is on her mind in front of a group of people," said Elizabeth, who was accompanying her three- year-old daughter Emily.

Around fifty works of pre-school, primary, and secondary school students were displayed, yet a one-meter-high packet of cigarettes made by a secondary school student was the most attention-grabbing exhibit.

The huge cardboard artwork was made to persuade people to stop smoking, said the female artist in her presentation.

Some teachers also exhibited paintings on the theme of Indonesia's independence.

"Besides our intention of making the children appreciate art, the program is also aimed at strengthening the bond between parents and their children, giving them a treasured moment," explained Edwina, vice principle of the school's kindergarten.