ARTISTS have rallied round to paint a sea adventure mural surrounding a swimming pool in the grounds of an institute for children with special needs.
Wrapped up against the chilly weather, they are transforming a large protective board donated by DHL Express at The RIA Institute Bahrain.
Coordinator Sarah Clarke, a British expat supporter of the institute, said: “It’s fantastic that the artists are dedicating their talent, time and energy on this amazing project.”
The magnificent mural has been designed by Sarah Rheeders, a British-South African expat, who has been joined by fellow celebrated artists Bahraini Mohammed Taha, Indian Farah Ali and Irina Darjani, who originates from Belarus, with help from Sarah and Amanda Cerkin, from Ireland.
The project originated after Irene donated cute fish props left over from her two-year-old daughter Ivana’s birthday party.
The paint used by the artists was left-over material too. It was donated by Asian Paints and Nature’s Market for Sarah’s recent Big Draw initiative which supported the work of Baloo’s Buddies, a therapy dog programme running at the centre.
The RIA Institute has been operating in Bahrain for 20 years and cares for students with learning and developmental disorders along with able-bodied children.
Student director and co-founder Christine Gordon said: “I cannot thank the artists enough. The mural is a calming and beautiful artwork which the children can enjoy during their swimming playtime when the weather warms up.”
There is also an interactive chalk board area for the children and a ship wreck section is being worked on separately to provide added engagement.
Sarah Clarke 1/26/2020 2:58:50 PM
Always a pleasure working at RIA Institute with some amazing artists and volunteers - what would I do without you all?