Overview

Join us for this year’s Bait Al Shamsi Nights, our annual community gathering at heritage house Bait Obaid Al Shamsi in Arts Square. From 9 December 2023 to 20 January 2024, explore visual arts such as block printing, drawing, painting and photography as well as sound art, creative writing and architecture.

Designed for all ages and abilities, the workshops and excursions are inspired by Sharjah Art Foundation exhibitions and/or SAF neighbourhood architecture and culture, with a focus on sustainability.

All sessions, offered in both English and Arabic, are led by professional artists and art practitioners. The activities are free, and materials are provided.

Workshops

Make Small-Scale Abstract Paintings
With Bahareh Kherzi
Ages 11–15

Date: Saturday, 30 December 2023
Timings: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Languages: English and Arabic



Non-figurative or abstract paintings emphasise shapes, colours and gestural marks to convey emotions, ideas and concepts. Inspired by Gavin Jantjes’ abstract art, his most recent work, create small-scale non-figurative paintings that reflect your own feeling and ideas.

Sketch Traditional Architecture
With Nora Zeid
Ages 15+

Date: Saturday, 30 December 2023
Timings: 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Language: English



Go back in time to the world of traditional architecture. Practise your sketching skills in the courtyard of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, and create drawings inspired by local heritage.

Discover Al Boorj Avenue and Sharjah's Urban Evolution
With Omar Darwish
Ages 17+

Date: Saturday, 30 December 2023
Timings: 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Language: English



Take an in-depth architectural walk through the 1970s development project of Al Boorj Avenue (Bank Street) by Spanish Firm TYPSA. Explore the construction and architectural significance of the structures, consulting historical maps, urban master plans and aerial photographs, and consider the impact of the development on Sharjah’s urban context. This session may be of particular interest to university students studying architecture and design.

Registration

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