Charity fundraiser: A kaleidoscope of Lebanon’s resilience
Artist Tom Young displayed a set of his paintings titled: ‘Fairground’, exploring dramatic contrasts in the city of Beirut.
Painting Exhibition by Tom Young
British Ambassador Tom Fletcher in collaboration with British artist Tom Young, held a charity fundraiser open house at their residence in Yarze in aid of the SOS Children’s Villages. The event was attended by Embassy friends, partners and art lovers. This is part of an ongoing initiative in support of the less privileged, by Ambassador Fletcher and Mrs Louise Fletcher.
Artist Tom Young displayed a set of his paintings titled: ‘Fairground’, exploring dramatic contrasts in the city of Beirut and the coexistence of pain and joy in Lebanon. With his magical fingers and paint brush, Tom inspired children from SOS Villages to create their own drawings reflecting their hopes for a better future.
‘Hayda Libnen’ was the title of their collective mural painting bringing together all of nature’s colours, with rays of sun drawn by Ambassador Fletcher shining on a united Lebanon. Sale revenues will be donated to SOS who are currently planning a new emergency relief project targeting Syrian refugee children.
In his welcoming speech Ambassador Fletcher said: ‘Tom has captured the creative anarchy of Lebanon, but also its resilience and hope. We’re proud to showcase his talent and his message’.
Tom Young said: ‘I’m delighted with HMA Tom Fletcher’s support of my work and the children. Painting with the children from SOS is a joy. I want to contribute something positive to the future of a country which I love, and also learn something from the children. The multi faceted nature of life in Lebanon is a constant inspiration to me. I try to express its beauty and contradictions.’ President of SOS Villages Lebanon Afifa Arsanios hoped for a better future for Lebanon and its children.
Notes to Editors
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Tom Young is a full time artist, based in Beirut. He is enthusiastic about collaborating with children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work is in numerous collections around the world. For more information visit www.tomyoung.com
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SOS Children’s Villages is a non-profit organisation that provides family-based child care to children without parental care within SOS Children’s Villages. A new emergency relief project to establish a centre for Syrian refugee children and an emergency school is currently being planned. For more information, visit www.sos.org.lb.