Day Adventures - Al Qattara Arts Centre

Roland and I are celebrating our 20^th Anniversary this coming weekend and we still love spending alone time together. Reuben was on a playdate for a few hours and it was the perfect time to explore our little town together. I had seen an advertisement about a small fashion art exhibition at a local art centre. To be completely honest, it was the first time I heard about the centre, so I was intrigued but really didn’t know what to expect. So, after we dropped Reuben off we put the name, Al Qattara Arts Centre, into the GPS. It said, '8 minutes away'. It was perfect as we had a short time till we were to pick Reuben up again. During our four years stay here, we've never driven past this centre and Roland remembered he's seen a sign somewhere, but truly we had no idea where it was. We followed the GPS lady through windy little roads around a residential area making a few wrong turns as we go. And then, right there in the middle of nowhere, we see the centre. We knew we were getting close when we started seeing traditional buildings along side the road and then the sign to the Al Qattara Oasis.

As you drive through the entrance, the first thing you notice is the souq (market) on the left. A fairly good size with quite a few stalls.  We went at around 10:30 in the morning, so it was closed, finding out later that it only opens in the afternoon, Thursday through Saturday.  I definitely want to go back and see what the market has to offer. The Art centre’s parking is around the back. I was quite surprised, I have to say; it was quaint and oozed with local culture already. We were met by a few security guards and one other person at the reception. We were the only people there; being summer means people are reluctant to venture out in the morning heat, which was great for us.

The fashion art exhibit was lovely and the set up was quite fresh and bright; in contrast to other traditional historical exhibits that tend to be a bit more mono-toned.  The exhibit, Lines and Stitches, highlights the idea of fashion sketching being an art form of itself. Every idea we see on a runway or a store had its beginning on a piece of paper. The clothes we wear gives us a rare opportunity into an artist's thoughts and ideas.  The first exhibit had examples of dresses with beautiful embroidery and bright colours. The rest of the small halls had examples of work by both GCC and international artists. My particular favourite was a mixed media work by Liz Ramos-Prado, titled 'Skin I". The polka dots caught my eye, it's so in fashion this spring, and what looked to me like a feathered scarf around her neck. The colours are just so vivid and her eyes pop with brightness. 

I really like this one - a dress with a kimono. The embroidery is amazing. 

Liz Ramos-Prado

It was a shame that none of the electronic exhibits were working and that there was no one around to ask for help. But, we didn’t mind much, as we still fooled around a bit taking a few fashion pics of our own. Nothing can be better than sitting on the little white bench, together, and taking it all in. Alone. Roland likes art just as much as I do, but I think he was just happy seeing how happy I was. (Sweetest thing).  

      

At the end of the exhibit there’s a little gift shop you can explore but again there was no one there. Maybe a good thing - saved a penny or two.

     

We then went on to explore the rest of the local exhibits. There are a few pieces of artwork along the walls, but the main attraction is the archaeological site in the basement. It was a complete surprise to me and I really enjoyed that one. They have preserved these peculiar holes in the ground, big enough for a few men to fit in. They have no idea what it was used for - I think the mystery adds to the intrigue.

                                       

                         

The centre also hosts art classes throughout the week sporting at least three spacious studios. Classes range from photography to even piano classes.

                             

It took us a little under an hour to walk through the whole place and it was time well spent. It was truly a lovely morning and just perfect for a little morning date. We look forward to bring Reuben back to explore the souq with us one afternoon. Be sure to check back on the update. 

It really doesn't matter what you do, a walk in the park or a picnic in the garden, time with your spouse is rewarding. For me, thinking of creative ways to invest in our relationship, is half the fun. How about you? What can you do today to create moments in time. Remember, it's all about Giving it Everything and More. Believe me, this investment is not without reward.

For more information on the Al Qattara Arts Centre in Al Ain click here and for information on tours to Al Ain click here.

💖Always

Leazille

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Once again, thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you today.