Dubai: Mangalore Konkans Honour Renowned Artist Peter Lewis

Pics by Jovin D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, May 8: Mangalore Konkans, the premier Konkani organization of Dubai felicitated renowned artist, recipient of Karnataka Rajyotsava and Lalita Kala Academy awardee as well as Roriech memorial award winner Peter Lewis for his dedicated service of more than 50 years in the field of art at a function held at the India Club here on Saturday May 7.

The programme titled `Sketching and Paintbrush Challenge' was preceded by a workshop on `Fine Arts and Related Profession' by Peter Lewis and Dubai-based art consultant Joanne Pereira.

While doing on the spot painting, Peter Lewis narrated his growth as an artist. He remembered his parents' support for blossoming as an artist at an early age. He recalled his student days at the JJ School of Arts, Mumbai, where he studied availing scholarship and won a gold medal. He along with his three friends had formed V4 group and spread information about art in all the four directions within the state of Karnataka in the 60s. It is this group which had convinced the then Karnataka government to introduce drawing as an optional subject in schools he said.

"Even doctors get guidance from artists as surgery is a form of art and requires lot of artistic skills," Peter Lewis said during the workshop. "Colours are like language that communicate what an artist wants to say through his art. An artist can use cement and even cow-dung instead of paints. Tailors, barbers and even the fashion designers are good artists" he said. "An artist, specially the fabric designers, must know the basics of mathematics and chemistry in order to excel in their profession," he further explained. 

Peter Lewis thanked Mangalore Konkans for promoting art in this part of the world.

Earlier Sonali and Hilda presented flower bouquettes to Peter Lewis and his wife Queenie Lewis. Philomena D'Souza introduced Peter Lewis to the audience.

Joanne Pereira, an art consultant by profession gave a power point presentation on the factors that affect an artist. She gave tips to artists creating and presenting their art portfolios.

Priya Coutinho introduced Joanne Pereira to the audience. Linus Moras, vice-president, presented her with a gift on behalf of Mangalore Konkans.

Peter Lewis was honoured during the occasion.  Ronald D'Cunha read the citation. Aboline D'Cunha presented a memento. Santosh Kevin Nazareth, president, Mangalore Konkans and Queenie Lewis were present on the dais.

Melody Sequeira and Jenica Pinto gave dance performances during the occasion. Gifts were given to those who answered on the spot quiz questions on art.

Santosh Nazareth welcomed the gathering at the beginning. Clinton Mendonca compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks at the end. Rajesh Sequeira lead the prayer song.

Prizes and certificates were given by Peter Lewis and Joanne Pereira to the winners of drawing competition which was held at the Buds Public School on April 15, 2011. Joshua Dorairaj of the Buds Public School was present.

Peter Lewis' painting which was done during the workshop was auctioned by Valerian Peris and Errol Moras of One World Travel bought it for Dhs 1500.

Winners of the Competition

Category A (12-18 years)

First: Kevin Correa (The Chase: A car is chased by a monster truck in a stadium)
Second: Joanne Moraes (Landscape)
Third: Roselle Rego (Two-faced man)

Category B (Above 18 Years)

First: Vivian P Kamath (Country side)
Second: Roopali D'Silva (The devastation after the Japanese tsunami)
Third: Fabeola Lobo (Walking forward into the light)

Adrian D'Souza was given Peter Lewis prize in his absence.

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