Georgian traditions come alive at exhibition

A 10-day exhibition of exclusive paintings, jewellery, handicrafts, artefacts, pottery, crockery, fashion and traditional costumes from the east European nation of Georgia got off to a colourful start at Katara’s Building No19 on Sunday.The event named ‘Georgian Living Heritage’ features collections of materials dating from 250 BC to the contemporary period. Some of the pieces exhibited are also being offered for sale.In his inaugural speech, Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti thanked the Georgian embassy for taking a keen interest to host the exhibition in which rare and heritage collections from their country are on display.Dr al-Sulaiti hoped the event would help visitors understand more about the talents, traditions, skills and interests of the Georgia’s people over several centuries. “The rich tradition Georgians have in apparel making and designing, painting and handicrafts have come alive at the exhibition,” he said.Georgian Ambassador to Qatar Ekaterine Meiring said the exhibition was the culmination of the hard work of her embassy staff and those at the Georgian Arts and Cultural Centre in Tbilisi. She also specifically lauded the efforts of the centre president Maka Dvalishvili in making the exhibition a reality.Speaking to Gulf Times, Dvalishvili said she was hopeful more events featuring Georgia could be hosted in Katara in the coming years. She said Georgia wants to highlight its rich traditions, culture and history in a host of areas through an event of this kind.The ambassadors of several countries and other diplomats were present at the opening of the exhibition.As part of the event, seminars and workshops featuring prominent Georgian painters and designers will be held in the coming days. The exhibition is open between 10am and 8pm.Some of the items on display.