The SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School on Thursday inaugurated an art exhibition featuring their students' work in drawing, sketching, painting, pottery, calligraphy and crafts, along with a 'live art' booth.

In addition to still life, watercolour and recycled crafts displays, the schoolchildren also displayed paintings they had created using just tea and coffee.

To mark the 77th anniversary of the Pakistan Resolution, students at the government-run school had also created a model sculpture of the Quaid's mausoleum, along with portraits of some of the leaders of Pakistan Movement, including Allama Iqbal and Fatima Jinnah.

A live band, called Bazm-e-Liqa, was present to play spiritual music from Gilgit-Baltistan on the flute, rubab and dadang instruments.

Visitors to the exhibition included artist Dr Manzoor, renowned architect Shahid Abdulla, Director General of the Coast Guard Brigadier Ateeq, local government representatives, teachers and heads of neighboring schools, advocates of public art, parents, volunteers and alumni.

The guests appreciated the creativity and beauty of the children's work and committed to encouraging their efforts. They also expressed hope that other government schools would follow suit.

Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture founder Shahid Abdulla inaugurated the exhibition and said he was "very impressed and pleasantly surprised" by both the effort and talent shown.

Echoing his thoughts, Brig Ateeq appreciated the Zindagi Trust for introducing young minds to a meaningful art program at a government school.

"Art is critical for the development of the mind," he said, adding that he was hopeful that these children will help shape a better future for Pakistan.

According to school Project Manager Shahnaz Hunzai, the main reason for holding the art exhibition was to appreciate and encourage young artists, help them improve their work and inspire them to become "the Sadequains of tomorrow."

Grade 8 student Janbibi, whose portrait of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi was displayed in the exhibition, agreed with Hunzai, saying she knew "very little" about art before joining the school.

"My teachers helped me uncover the passion and talent for art hidden inside me,” she said.

The SMB Fatima Jinnah Government Girls School is managed by the Zindagi Trust under their School Reform project.

One of the project's core features is a strong art program which aims to introduce students to the arts in order to help them discover and hone their talents and interests and develop them into well-rounded citizens.

Students from the school have won local, regional, national and international art competitions organized by the International Schools Educational Olympiad, Aahung, Colgate, the Government Education Office, Western Toyota, and others.

A painting by one of the school's students was recently selected and published in an international peace calendar.

The exhibition will continue till March 31, 2017 and will be open to guest from 10am to 1pm every day.