Arts and crafts enthusiasts in Qatar are in for a treat as QatArt Handmade Community has prepared a series of workshops during the fifth edition of Katara’s ‘Winter Festival 2018’ slated from January 18 to 22.
Speaking to Gulf Times on Friday, QatArt board member Swapna Namboodiri said there will be three workshops daily during the festival, which will run from 4pm to 9pm at Katara – the Cultural Village’s Beach 15. 
She said the workshops will feature themes related to the winter season. Activities will involve paper crafts, paintings, salt dough (moulds that children can paint); paper doilies, and customised printing (palm prints), among others.
“There is no registration and we have prepared many activities where children can learn to create unique handmade products, which they can easily take home. All materials for the workshops will be provided by QatArt,” said Namboodiri, who added that each workshop would run for 30 minutes.
Workshops and children’s learning activities are a staple at the weekend ‘Handmade Market’ that QatArt holds regularly at Katara’s Building 19. The markets are held every alternate Fridays each month.



One of the frescos used during QatArt's workshop at Katara on Friday. 

QatArt external events co-ordinator Janiththri Perera said the group prepared a workshop on Friday on fresco painting.
“The workshop taught children the ancient method of creating frescos, similar to those that people see at the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The participants enjoyed the activity because it was simple and fun.
“We have already prepared most of the main materials to be used during the activity for easy handling and so that kids can focus on creating their designs. It’s important that the participants are exposed to these types of crafts at an early age so we can help develop their artistic abilities,” Perera pointed out.
Aside from arts and crafts workshops, Katara has prepared a variety of events including fun activities, games, entertainment, and folkloric shows. They include an exhibition and educational workshops for young falconers and the Al-Da’oo and Hudad Al-Suloqi at Katara’s Corniche, organised by the Al-Gannas Society; the Katara Traditional Souq, which showcases traditional antiques and a ‘diversified cultural market’; wireless car display by the R/C Sport Centre; and activities that support startups by the Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Development.
Katara will also be hosting a wide array of traditional shows, including a European show and other entertainment, while the Ministry of Municipality and Environment will stage a ‘Winter Plant Workshop’ for kids along Katara’s Corniche. For more information, visit http://www.katara.net/Documents/Katara_Winter%20Festival%202018_Schedule_E.PDF
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