An unusual exhibition has opened at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan. The authors of the exhibited works are not professional artists, but talented children who aspire to become artists.

The exhibition features works by students of Ashgabat Children’s Art School No. 2. Located in the Buzmeyin etrap, the school enjoys great popularity among local boys and girls. Suffice it to say that nearly 200 students are currently studying artistic skills there. Training is offered in three areas of fine arts — painting, jewelry art, and ceramics. Around 500 works created by the school’s students have been presented at the museum exhibition.

The phrase “I am not an artist, I am only learning to become one” does not apply to many of the exhibited works. For example, the “Portrait of Azat Annayev” is the graduation work of Nazilya Jafarova. We learned that Nazilya initially brought in a “Portrait of My Brother,” which was approved by her teacher, but with one suggestion: “It would be even better to paint a portrait of an artist instead of your brother.” Nazilya picked up her watercolors and created a portrait of the well-known art historian Azat Annayev. The portrait turned out magnificent. Nazilya managed to achieve both a strong likeness and an accurate portrayal of his character.

Guljeren Allaberdiyeva presented the graphic artwork “The White City of Ashgabat.” The clean lines of the highway, the precise white-marble high-rises, and a bus stop with only one passenger give the piece a design-like quality that adds to its creative effect.

Visitors can also become acquainted with Ashgabat Children’s Art School No. 2 itself through a painting by Gulzada Annamyradova. She depicted her beloved “art school” from the front, together with its courtyard, where a monument to Magtymguly Fragi stands and children with easels are painting outdoors. Gulzada poured her affection for the school into the painting, expressing how difficult it is to part with it.

Bibi Sapargulyeva presented her self-portrait. A charming girl in a green school uniform dress looks out at the viewers. The calm and confident expression on her face suggests that over four years of study, thanks to her mentors, she has learned a great deal.

The triptych “Fishermen” by Tumar Shagylyyeva deserves special praise. Like an experienced painter, Tumar depicted three moments from the lives of seasoned fishermen. She conveys their work with such sincerity and understanding that it seems as though she herself is among them. Tumar has her own distinctive artistic style, and one hopes that the graduate of Ashgabat Children’s Art School No. 2 will continue studying painting.

Magnificent exhibits created in a national style were presented by children interested in jewelry art. Since ancient times, the craftsmanship of Turkmen jewelers has been renowned far beyond the country’s borders. By mastering traditional patterns, students of the jewelry department create necklaces, brooches, and earrings. The finest works are displayed at the exhibition.

The central part of the exhibition is devoted to ceramics. The children mold all kinds of clay vessels — jars, jugs, plates, and cups. It must be admitted that their ceramics are still far from perfect, yet there is so much joy in their decoration. Delightful designs painted in bright, pure colors create a cheerful atmosphere.

The students of Ashgabat Children’s Art School No. 2 amazed museum visitors with their artistic achievements. In turn, the boys and girls were deeply honored that their works had become exhibits in a prestigious fine arts museum in the country.