President Derviş Eroğlu’s wife Meral Eroğlu opened the “Cyprus” themed art exhibition on Friday, October 31.
Istanbul artist Benice Gümrükçüoğlu’s alternative interpretations of Cyprus’s historic buildings and streets are currently on display at Bedesten, Lefkoşa, with the sale of each picture going to SOS Children’s Village.
A total of 52 pictures, which are based on photographs taken by the artist’s wife Ayşe Gümrükçüoğlu, are being exhibited – three of which are from the artist’s private collection.
Some 18 of the 49 pictures on sale were already reserved on the opening night, which featured a cocktail reception and about 100 guests, as well as the sale of t-shirts produced by businesswoman Sıdıka Atalay.
The exhibition was held under the auspices of Mrs Eroğlu, who, in her speech, touched on the duty of “every Turkish Cypriot” to support SOS Children’s Village, which for years has “worked to provide a loving home for every child”.
Speaking about the children under the care of SOS Children’s Village, she said: “They are our everything”.
She ended by thanking Mr Gümrükçüoğlu, Mrs Atalay and all those who supported the event.
She was presented with a plaque of appreciation by the charity’s chairman of the board, Dr. Hacer Çerkez.
Mrs Çerkez also made a speech and said that by providing care and support to children who have lost family care, or are at risk of losing their families; SOS Children’s Village wins them back into society. Mr Gümrükçüoğlu thanked supporters of the exhibition and said he was pleased to donate the entire proceeds of each picture sold to SOS Children’s Village.
He was also presented with a plaque of appreciation, while artist Zehra Şonya, of the Eastern Mediterranean Art Association (EMAA), was presented with a certificate for her support in preparing the exhibition.
The exhibition will remain open from Monday to Saturday, from 08:00 to 17:00, until November 15.
For more information call 0392 225 7017 or e-mail info@soscocukkoyu.org.
