Abu Rummaneh Cultural Center in Damascus hosted on Sunday a handicrafts exhibition entitled “Syrian Passion” for an artistic group called “Noon”.
23 participants displayed diverse exhibits including embroideries, traditional weavings, painting, glass mosaic works, painting works on glass, sculptures, hand-made candles and stone mosaic designs. Oriental woodwork, bamboo works, crochet handbags, recycling products, accessories, natural creams, dried fruits and other products were also showcased.
Mrs. Rana Qanwati, the founder of “Noon” Group told Syria Times: “The group was established in 2014. It contains handicrafts by both women and men. We seek to play a major role in the development of the Syrian society”.
“In each exhibition, the participants exchange skills and techniques, and new members join the group,” she said.
The participant Rama Al-Samman displayed chocolate and candles in modern shapes for decorating parties and for all purposes.
“I started producing handmade works a year ago .I followed many training courses and developed myself. My participation in this event makes me learn new things” she said.
Samah Hassoon, another participant, exhibited women’s bags, embroideries, crochet items and accessories.
“I cooperated with my sister Widad to get bag designs from websites then we collected clothes from our friends and started to recycle them, dye them with several colors and add accessories to produce beautiful bags. This is how I developed my work, so I learn new ideas” Samah said.
For her part, participant Munira Al- Nabawani displayed dried fruits.
She said “I have been making dried fruits for ten years. My dried products include apples, peaches, pears and figs. First, I made dried fruits for my home, but my friends encouraged me to work and sell products, so the exhibition is a good place to market my natural products”.
Faten Al Shayeb displayed several traditional loom products in a modern way. She made table covers, pillows, baskets and others things.
Engineer Haifa Shaqfeh, a specialist in medicinal plants and honey for 25 years, exhibited shampoos, creams and hair oils from natural materials.
Interviewed and photos by: Nada Haj Khidr