Fair puts a smile on children’s faces

LIZ GRIFFITHS [email protected]

More than 70 artists from 13 countries helped make the International Art Fair, held at ExpoAlgarve in Loulé between Sunday and Tuesday, a huge success.

Rolf Osang from organisers ARTE ALGARVE told the Algarve Resident: “It is so great to have so many artists under one roof and to see the variety of styles showcased side by side is absolutely unique. 

“Art will enrich the image of the Algarve which is undoubtedly better known for the good climate and great golf. But we have so many residents who want to enrich their lives with art and culture.”

The fair also featured a special charity event called The Tree of Love. The mountain of gifts donated by guests for local orphanages were placed under the stunning Christmas tree situated at the top of the pavilion.

The tree featured decorations by sculptor António da Cunha, Stela Barreto and Meinke Flessermen, who were also exhibiting their work at the fair.

Local choirs sang traditional Christmas carols while children from orphanages in the Algarve collected their gifts from under the tree.

On Sunday, Coro Internacional de Aljezur choir sang carols as children from Obra Nossa Senhora das Candeias, As Luzinhas, in Olhão received their presents.

On Monday, children from Lar de Crianças Bom Samaritano in Alvor received their gifts as the choir, Coro Canticorum São Brás de Alportel, provided the background music.

And on the final day of the exhibition, Tuesday, Coral Adágio from Portimão sang the traditional carols while children from Os Pirilampos children’s home in Albufeira chose their gifts.

“The children enjoyed every moment of their visit. They ate well and two of the artists even produced drawings and portraits of the children,” said Rolf Osang.

The Algarve Resident is proud to be the English language media partner of this event and the team was delighted to contribute with gifts for The Tree of Love.

For more information, please visit www.artealgarve.net, which is available in English and Portuguese. See www.algarveresident.com for more photographs of the fair (go to news/Algarve)
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