MUSCAT : Under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian School Muscat hosted Winter Strokes – the Annual Art and Craft Extravaganza on December 14 and 15, 2024 to celebrate the artistic expressions through the vibrant fusion of colours and contemporary art forms.

Art is an expression of our inner soul which is significant to the students as it adds wings to their own imagination and form to their ingenuity. As part of the Indian School Muscat’s illustrious Golden Jubilee carousal, the Winter Strokes was structured into two distinct categories. The first category was the Competitive Segment, an exhilarating Inter-School Competition inviting talents from various Indian Schools in Oman to compete for creative supremacy. The second highlighted the Exhibition Showcase, a curate display of remarkable artworks by students of the host school.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Mona Ismail (Dean, Scientific College of Design, Sultanate of Oman) and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Nidheesh Kumar, (Finance Director, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman) inaugurated the much awaited Winter Strokes 2024 with the ribbon cutting ceremony. Dr. Mona Ismail conveyed her profound elation to be a part of the symposium and commended the artistic efforts on display. Wishing the school, a good luck, she offered to extend a helping hand to the school in future endeavours and to collaborate with Scientific College. In his address, Mr. Nidheesh Kumar P.P. expressed an overwhelming thrill for being a part of such a mega event as part of the golden jubilee celebration. Further, he appreciated the zeal and efforts of the students and teachers.

The honourable Principal, Mr. Rakesh Joshi lauded the initiative taken up by the Department of Visual Arts and expressed his heartfelt appreciations. The other eminent personalities who graced the occasion with their presence were Mr. Mohammed Rafi, Convenor, School Management Committee and other esteemed members of the School Management Committee, Senior Vice-Principal Administration, Vice-Principals and Asst. Vice-Principals of various sections, Heads of various Departments, teachers, grandparents and parents.

The conscientious endeavours of students have resulted into a cornucopia of an overwhelming display of more than 700 art specimens, exemplary strokes, different approaches, styles and optimal use of sentiments offering visitors, a rich and immersive experience of artistic diversity. The exhibition included sketches, acrylic paintings, oil on canvas, and terracotta sculptures which highlighted cultural themes, traditions, and the natural beauty of India and Oman.

Indian School Muscat advocates the idea that children have innate talents. Representing all facets of visual art, each painting and craft work on display was over brimming with emotions and expression of aesthetic mastery. The novelties and ingenuities which illuminated the hall were marvelous and deserve accolade.

This prodigious task wouldn’t have been possible without the incessant efforts of the Members of School Management Committee, Visual Art teachers and students. It was an epitome of hours of toil put together for the sweetest reap.