An exhibition of youth and children’s art dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Israel was opened on 2 July 2008 in the Exhibition Hall of Hesed "Polina". 55 works by children from all Jewish communities of Kazakhstan participated in the Nationwide Children’s Art Competition. The organisers of the competition are the Representatives of the Jewish agency "Sokhnut" in Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan, and Jewish Community Centre "Rimon".

  The opening ceremony of the exhibition was conducted by Max Wiesel, the Central Asian representative of the American Distributive Committee "Joint", and Alexander Baron, the President of the Association of Jewish National Organisations in Kazakhstan.

  The works presented by the children varied greatly, especially in techniques employed by the young artists. There techniques included water paintings, herbal arrangements and paintings on the glass. The winners of the competition will be announced on 18 July. There will be prises awarded by the jury, as well as an audience prize. Every person visiting the exhibition can nomitate the work they like the most for the audience prize.

  Twelve year old Masha Arepieva, one of the participants of the exhibition said, "Lilia Golubovskaya taught us to paint on the glass. At first she suggested to us what we should draw, and had shown us many techniques. Then we started to independently study the history of Jewish people and in it we found inspiration for our paintings. I hope that I will continue to participate in similar exhibitions."

  The opening of the exhibition was concluded by a fruit buffet, to the great delight of the children. The exhibition will conclude at the end of July.

Anna Naumova.