The amount of resources invested to nurture children's creativity is relatively low in Hong Kong. The idea of nurturing children's creativity has not been valued either. A lot of creative potential in children has therefore been ignored and destroyed. We organized a children's creative painting exhibition back in 2003. We were the first social service organization to conduct such an event. Not only did the children's art pieces received high praises and recognition from the public but the children's passion and motivation to create and appreciate art was greatly strengthened. Therefore, we have organized "A Potpourri of Children's Creativity - Rhapsody of Life" this year. Our wish is to continue to enhance the public's understanding towards the children's creative potential, raise their attention to nurture children's creativity and self-expression, and to advocate appreciation of beauty for the society as a whole.

A creative spirit's enlightenment often starts from appreciation of beauty. With that in mind, this year's children's creative painting exhibition started with the appreciation of famous modern painters, such as Picasso, Matisse, Klee, Kandinsky, Seurat and Hundertwasser. The children were deeply drawn by the painters' skills and styles. Through the process of appreciation and discussion, they eventually grasped, internalized and developed their own individualistic styles and skills. These, combined with their daily learning experiences, helped them to express heart - touching feelings and emotions on canvas.

"A Potpourri of Children's Creativity - Rhapsody of Life" took place at Hong Kong Cultural Centre's main lobby from 1 June through 5 June. 72 pieces of art from our Day Care Centre were displayed. This included 46 pieces of individual art and 26 pieces of collaborated art. Our children used these paintings to express the exciting ideas that were in their little heads through the observation of life and its associations. These art pieces fully expressed the unlimited creativity and life energy in young children.

We were honored to have Mr. Bernard Chan JP, Legislative Council member and chairman of Hong Kong Council of Social Service conduct the opening ceremony. The sponsor for this event was Lai On Products Industries Ltd. The parents of the children agreed to put the exhibited paintings on sale to raise money for our "Children Art Development Fund" which would be used to support the development of children's art in the future.