A group exhibition of artwork by students of the Drawing and Painting School for children with and without disabilities will open today at 12 PM at the Cultural Center (UDAS) in Banja Luka.
In this well-known artistic hub of Banja Luka painters, the exhibition will feature works created by the students during the first semester of the 2024/2025 school year, spanning from September to December 2024.
A total of 58 children, aged 6 to 15, attended the school, which promotes inclusivity.
Drawing and painting classes were led by Tatjana Ratković Bosnić, a Master of Graphics, and Milana Kosanović, a graduate graphic artist. Kosanović described the exhibition as a traditional event fondly referred to as “joyful” due to its celebration of children’s creativity.
“This exhibition is a traditional event we organize at the end of each year or semester, serving as a selection of the best works so far. In one word, I would call it a joyful event because it showcases children’s creativity, making it the best way to promote them,” Kosanović said for “Glas Srpske.”
She emphasized that the children’s age range is diverse, as are the themes they explore, highlighting the school’s focus on encouraging creativity and giving students freedom in their work.
“This is an inclusive program. The children range in age from six to fifteen, which allows for a variety of approaches and themes. Together with my colleague Tatjana, I strive to create an individual approach for each child, making the process easier for them. Our goal is to awaken their creativity and ensure they always feel free in their work. I think this will be evident to visitors who come to see the exhibition,” said Kosanović.
The Drawing and Painting School for children with and without disabilities started in 2007 as a pilot project launched by young artists from the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka, under the Cultural Center UDAS.
The school’s mission has remained the same—to promote diversity, equality, and human rights by fostering respect for differences and equal opportunities for all children.
Students gain new skills through various drawing and painting techniques, not only in art but also in understanding and embracing diversity and inclusion.
The school provides a safe space where participants of all ages can develop life skills, build self-confidence, form lasting friendships, and support one another in a creative and respectful environment.
The exhibition will remain open until January 31, 2025. After the winter break, the school will continue classes in the second semester.
Goals
The goal of the school is to serve as a safe space where young participants—children with and without disabilities—can express their artistic and creative potential under the guidance of dedicated art teachers.
The school also promotes inclusivity and serves as a model for equal opportunities for children with disabilities, encouraging a fair and respectful approach to diversity in society.
Source: Glas Srpske
