MORE than 60 tourists arrived in Pacific Eden Cruise ship were amazed by local Art work displayed at the National Art Gallery, which ignites Artist Association to revive its network regionally.

The National Artist Association in Honiara is working on reviving its link with Art Gallery regionally particularly for local artist to boosts their marketing and acquire training opportunities.

This ideology comes into force after seen more than 60 tourists made stunning positive comments about Art Gallery settings and exhibition when arrival of Pacific Eden ship on Tuesday November 1.

This kind of comment, the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery Curator, Brian Jacinth Afia said it shows the truth of gallery—nation should encourage more artists in any form in Solomon Islands.

With that Mr Afia said they understand, Solomon Islands before has established a linked with other pacific nation which made artist access to opportunities, and they look on reviving it, initially for local artist’s beneficiary.

“So it’s something that we will continue to work on for achieving goals and objectives of the Art Gallery to re-connect those links for exposure of local artist outside,” Mr Afia said.

“This is because many in the country are self-though artist, only few are qualify ones—so gallery will have programmes by deploying professional artist from the region to deliver trainings,” Mr Afia said.

Curator Afia said this idea is meant for add-on skills and knowledge for local artist, and those did not go through formal education to boost their learning.

In the mean time, Artist Association applaud Prime Ministry Manasseh Sogavare for being their Patron, and support shown from Minister for Culture and Tourism, Bartholomew Parapolo.

However, the visit of tourist at the Art Gallery Art and Crafts exhibition made a positive response according to association record of visitors.

To name the few tourist comments visiting Art Gallery exhibition;

• Raywin Nasmaria from Australia, brilliant very talented people
• Christine Alan Hill from Australia, very beautiful and inspiring
• Yvonne Johnsen from Australia, wonderful collection, very diverse
• Ray Sisson from Australia, very interesting + high quality standard
• Iesky Law from Australia, inspiring talent and beautiful piece

Meanwhile, Artist Association reveals to this paper a estimated figure of tourists who leave Art Gallery compound on Tuesday has circulated to local artist around SBD$20,000.