22 female artists excel at the leather painting exhibition in Al-Ahsa

The Culture and Arts Association in Al-Ahsa held an exhibition of the results of the “Art Training Journey” For the painting workshop on natural leather in the Sandal Hall for Visual Arts, which was inaugurated by Dr. Fatima Al-Mulla, Vice President of the Al-Ahsa Girl Association, and in the presence of Yousef Al-Khamis, Director of the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association, and a number of those interested in the participation of 22 female trainees from Al-Ahsa artists and painters, who excelled in implementing artistic works that embodied traditional and popular scenes from the Al-Ahsa environment.

A great success in developing the plastic arts

Youssef Al-Khamis, Director of the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association, said: "The Second Art Journey Production Exhibition, which is implemented by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in four regions: Medina, Hail, Al-Baha, and Al-Ahsa. This program has achieved great success in developing the plastic arts and enhancing the skills of male and female artists in its various art schools."
This session was launched, organized by the Visual Arts Committee, where Innovative methods in producing their artwork and presenting their experiences in a practical way, which attracted the attention of officials and visitors alike.

A new experience for participants

The visual artist explained "Salma Sheikh"Coordinator of the Fine Arts and Arabic Calligraphy Committee at the Culture and Arts Society in Al-Ahsa, the training trip project for the burning painting workshop on natural leather was prepared and implemented, which lasted five days with the participation of 22 female trainees from Al-Ahsa. The program aims to exchange and refine artistic ideas, and provide the trainees with the skills of using the burning machine and drawing techniques on natural leather, which contributes to developing their abilities and opening new horizons for plastic creativity.

She indicated that reliance was placed on Sawakni hides treated with vegetable tanning, due to their quality and purity that highlights the effect of burning, with the implementation of artistic hangings using 100% natural materials, inspired by the identity of Al-Ahsa, and the palm tree was present as a symbolic element in the All works confirm that the program focused on enhancing environmental awareness and the culture of sustainability, by reusing leftover leather and introducing the concept of vegetable tanning as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative, so that the artwork embodies an aesthetic and environmental message at the same time.

Review of artistic creations

She said "D. Fatima Al-Mulla" Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Ahsa Girl Association: "All thanks to the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association for hosting many artistic programs and exhibitions that highlight the cultural and heritage identity of the governorate, which is known for its richness in heritage and artistic treasures."
This event, which focused on the art of drawing on leather, came as a direct result of a five-day workshop organized by the association, where the participants had the opportunity to showcase their artistic creativity and express the authentic Ahsa heritage that reflects the identity of Al-Ahsa and the values of its people. All thanks to the efforts made by the participating artists, male and female, who demonstrated great skill and creativity in implementing these works.

The association continued that these works will continue to be displayed in upcoming exhibitions, with a focus on presenting new ones. It is distinguished by plastic and craft art, which reflects the richness of Al-Ahsa Governorate and its deep heritage and cultural values.

The experience of drawing on leather

The plastic artist said: "Marine’s reproach"who began her career with crafts in 2017: "I started my experience painting on leather using oil, then later moved towards metal and copper shaping. I moved between several training programs, until I recently returned to try painting on leather, which was my first time in this field. I loved the course because it added a new dimension to my artistic craft."
She continued: "I simulated drawing on leather as it is done on camels, as it is a natural leather, and I used the same method on metal, because drawing knows no obstacles, and every challenge can be overcome with the experience and craft that we gained during the program. Most of the participants were able to finish their work in just two days, while some of them completed the experience in one day and one night, thanks to intense training and focus, in preparation for displaying their work in the exhibition."

Embodying Popular Heritage

The visual artist stated "Iman Saeed Al-Khasram" That she participated for the first time in the experience of drawing on leather, and confirmed that the experience was very enjoyable and enriched her love for plastic art, with her intention to continue working on leather in the future using acrylic colors and different methods.
She explained that during the workshop she embodied the folk heritage of Al-Ahsa, by drawing heritage elements related to the Al-Ahsa bride, such as henna, tola, and oud, in addition to the box designated for storing the bride’s supplies, and heritage tools such as the sprinkler and the smoker, as featured in her works in the figure Traditional basil for the bride, highlighting the authentic heritage elements to present an artistic painting rich in local culture and heritage memories.

Utilizing modern technologies with an enjoyable experience

The visual artist said "Iman Al-Mubarzi" Her beginnings were in drawing on paintings, pots, and glass, where she gained extensive experience in various artistic fields. She added that she participated in a course on teaching leather drawing, which included about thirty trainees, with the aim of trying this new technique despite her feeling of anxiety at first.
She explained that the course was a fun and easy experience, thanks to the instructions of the trainer, who explained every step with ease and ease, starting from preparation, through coloring the leather, and ending with the burning technique on the skin.
She added: “I consider this a major personal achievement. I did not expect to be able to produce this painting within four days, especially since it is the first time I have dealt with leather.” She stressed that the course added a new dimension to her artistic craft and contributed to developing her skills in integrating different techniques, which enhances her capabilities in the plastic and crafts field. She explained that she used a large piece of leather to draw her artwork, which was distinguished by its emulation of the Al-Amiri School, the first school in Al-Ahsa.

She stressed that this experience gave her the opportunity to employ Modern techniques in painting on leather, and merging the heritage identity of the place with her artistic skills, which contributed to the production of an artwork that reflects the historical and cultural aspect of Al-Ahsa.

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