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Green Abu Dhabi hosts art auctionin Sharjah to raise funds for WWF

SHARJAH - The Celebrity Art Auction, part of Green Abu Dhabi 2010, hosted over 60 items at Maraya Art Gallery, Sharjah on Monday, to raise money for the WWF (World Wildlife Fund).

The new initiative aims to create a more sustainable future by promoting environmental understanding through art. A special auction was also held to showcase the art and the creativity of children from the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

Raymond O’Hora, Chief Executive Officer, Louder International, organisers of the event, said most of the collections were from celebrities.

“Prices start from Dh500 a piece, and have sometimes reached Dh12,000 in previous auctions, so if you’re lucky you might go home with an artistic piece made by a celebrity for only Dh500.”

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Shaikha Maryam Al Qasimi, participant artist, said her pieces of art included photos on canvas titled ‘Al Wasil Street’.

“My art basically describes daily street life in Sharjah, which focuses on a couple of bakeries and barbershops, and using the transparent glass I was able to combine both the outside street and what’s happening inside at the same time.”

“My work was part of an assignment back then when I was with the American University of Sharjah. However, I decided after my graduation to use the art for good purposes and show the rest of the world my personal collection,” Shaikha Maryam added. Shaikha Maryam, also donated photos on canvas titled ‘Old RAK’.

Celebrity artists who sent their pieces were Abdul Aziz bin Ali, Shamma Al Falasi, Amina Khansaheb, Dana Alhanbali, Lujain Abulfaraj, Budoor Alkhoory, Maisoon Al Saleh, alongwith the items from Bee’ah staff members, and from the Al Qasba collection.

Khaled Al Huraimel, General Manager, Bee’ah said: “When it comes to environmental awareness and advocacy, the Emirate of Sharjah is taking the lead in the region, driven by the vision of His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.”

“We, at Bee’ah, continuously strive to work as a partner with our community and to cultivate relationships with key institutions ranging from businesses across the emirate through to academic and cultural institutions with a common aim of making Sharjah greener,” Huraimel said.

“Today we are very glad to be part of this great initiative, Green Abu Dhabi art exhibition, and are proud to be hosting its chapter in Sharjah.”

ahmedjamal@khaleejtimes.com