Sketching and Sculpture exhibition opens

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May.1: The ‘Sketching and Sculpture Exhibition 2026’, organised under the Skill in Education programme by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in collaboration with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, opened at the Academy on Wednesday.

The exhibition features artworks created by students who participated in the ‘Sketching and Sculpture’ module training conducted in public schools across the metropolis.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, NAFA Chancellor Naradmani Hartamchhali expressed his delight at witnessing the work of emerging young artists. He said that the initiative had been prioritised under the leadership of former Mayor and current Prime Minister Balen Shah and continues under Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, linking creative extracurricular activities with formal education.

Hartamchhali further added that the programme is a significant step towards integrating education with practical skills, helping to guide young talents, future leaders of the country, in advancing creative expression through art.

Programme Coordinator and Head of the Interdisciplinary and Other Creative Arts department at NAFA, Saurganga Darshandhari, said the programme has improved steadily since its inception.

 “Although the curriculum remains the same, students’ creative abilities vary. Through this programme, students gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts and emotions while learning,” she said.

Namraj Dhakal, Head of the Education Department at Kathmandu Metropolitan City, said the collaboration has helped uncover students’ inherent creativity.

 He encouraged participants to continue developing their skills and consider pursuing art as a profession. He added that the programme would be further refined and expanded in the future.

The exhibition showcases works from students of several schools, including Shree Shahid Shukra Secondary School, Bijay Smarak Secondary School and Padma Kanya Bidhyashram Secondary School.

Outstanding Students of these schools were each awarded Rs. 3,000 along with certificates.

The training was facilitated by artists including Karuna Shrestha, Jaya Sharma, Rita Manandhar, Sarina Lamichhane, among others.

The exhibition will run until Friday.