Mangalore: Confluence of art and charity at Orchid Gallery
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Dec 19: Orchid Art Gallery in the city hosted a charity dinner and art sale on Wednesday, December 18, wherein about 25 artworks painted on the canvas using acrylic and oil paints by at least eight artists were displayed.
Nearly 100 art lovers were treated to a unique display of artworks, all set in a beautiful ambience. Art patrons took a round admiring the artworks displayed at the venue, before taking their seats. As they talked of art among themselves, comforting music by a band of musicians, distinctly lit venue and the food altogether added a special charm.
Raising the toast, eminent writer and former bureaucrat Gisselle Mehta said, “This is a first of its kind of programme in the city. Owning an artwork speaks of fine intellectual and cultural convergence. Owning the fanciest car or an electronic gadget becomes meaningful only after its utility. However, the artwork is exclusively a niche item. There is a special bond between the painting and the possessor, which is developed due to the historical and sociological influence.”
The evening was a combination of a noble act of charitable giving and love for art. William Pais of Orchid Art Gallery said that from the entire sale, 40 percent would go to Jeevadhan, a charitable organization working towards the care and support for HIV and AIDS infected and abandoned women and children.
Sr Catherine, head of Jeevadhan was present on the occasion. Expressing deep gratitude to the organizers for recognizing their work, she briefed about the activities of the organization to the audience.
The occasion also marked the 50th art exhibition organized by the gallery ever since its inception in 2007. The Orchid Art Gallery has provided a defining space for a dialogue in art in Mangalore. “The gallery by holding 49 exhibitions so far, has taken art from nascent stage to a place where art connoisseurs and artists take pleasure in savoring the aesthetic joy. Art is virtually a love that transforms our raw and cruder nature to a thing of beauty,” William Pais added.
Artworkd by Wilson D'Souza, Ramesh Rao, Steven Pais, Jeevan AS, Anil Devadiga and Ramagiri Patil were displayed at the exhibition.