Hundreds of pieces of art that will benefit thousands of Bahraini orphans are nearing completion under a charity drive organised by the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF).

More than 1,200 students from Ibn Khuldoon National School (IKNS), aged five to 18, are knuckling down to finish the pieces for an exhibition.

The drive is being organised by SAF and will raise about BD40,000 ($105,549) for orphans under the care of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO).

 Finished pieces will be exhibited at the Arts Centre, near Bahrain National Museum, from April 24 to 27 under the patronage of Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

"The work the students will be exhibiting is part of the curriculum that we usually work on," IKNS art department head Emily Relf told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"We want to teach them a specific set of skills, a whole range of skills and media.

"After they complete their work, we invite them to be part of the exhibition."

Relf, who teaches grades nine to 12, said her students have produced some stellar work for the exhibition. "My IB group this year has now finished their exams and exhibition," she said. "They're the best IB group I've ever had, and that's saying a lot.

"Each of the students has had between one and four pieces selected for the show. I chose the best work on a merit-based system, to best exemplify what we have to offer."

The teacher said she was looking forward to seeing the entire school exhibit together.

"Usually our exhibitions are held in the school lounge and only the students, parents and teachers see the work," she said.

"This is a great opportunity.

"Art being used to promote a social issue is great, and the students are very keen on donating their work.

"My Grade 11 students are not allowed to sell their pieces because they need them for their examinations, but my Grade 12 IB students can.

"They have spent between 30 and 50 hours on each piece, approximately four to six weeks, so it's incredibly generous of them to donate them for this cause."

IKNS middle school subject co-ordinator Aran Gray said he wanted to promote the spirit of the exhibition with his students.

"I want at least one work by each child in the exhibition," he said.

"The students have been asking lots of questions and are very happy to be working for this goal.

"It's good for the students to see their art displayed somewhere, too, and to see people value art in this way."

SAF was established 10 years ago and has raised approximately $4.5 million around the world.

It is the first time the expo has been held in Bahrain and SAF regional director Nabil Khoury said he hoped to raise solid funds through sponsorships and auctioning the paintings.

Paintings will cost BD100, BD150 and BD200, the report added.-TradeArabia News Service