Kathmandu Calling! An Art Exhibition on Nepal, for Nepal

    READING, ENGLAND, October 14, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Local artist Mahlia Amatina has organised a two-week art extravaganza in Reading, Berkshire to raise funds for earthquake-impacted regions of Nepal. An artist with an international background, yet born and bred in Reading, the 'Kathmandu Calling!' exhibition unveils Amatina's brand new series of paintings, as well as offering a variety of craftshops to educate the community about Nepali art, culture, and its people.

'Kathmandu Calling!' will activate two Reading locations, the art centre Jelly (in the former Jackson's Corner) and Watlington House Hall from Mon 19th Oct - Sat 31st Oct, and will be formally opened on Fri 23rd Oct from 6pm by the Mayor of Reading and the Chairman of the Gurkha Society of Reading (a local Nepali organization) with live entertainment from Nepali-born singer Bhim Niroula (now settled in Reading) with complimentary homemade Nepali snacks and drinks. Throughout the limited two-week exhibition, which covers schools half-term, an exciting schedule of Nepali craftshops and related events will be offered to the public, and the full schedule of events and openings can be found on the artist's website, here. Part of the proceeds from all artwork and events will benefit the 'Our Sansar' and 'Phase Nepal,' two charities providing earthquake relief efforts in Nepal.

With the town of Reading anticipating the upcoming 'Year of Culture' in 2016, Amatina is excited to use artwork and culture to bring her international perspective to the local community. Mahlia Amatina is a self-taught painter and abstract colourist who creates vibrantly visual artwork with a narrative behind each painting. With an international background and passion for travel, Amatina's creative inspiration stems from varying landscapes and temperaments of soul. Travel and a global mindset fuels her mission to strive for understanding and kinship with all earthly beings, which she expresses and shares with others through art. Amatina is excited to share her first solo art exhibition with her local community, especially at a time when cuts to the Arts are imminent, with Reading faring worse off than other Councils.

Amatina's 'Kathmandu Calling!' exhibition showcases a collection of new paintings in her signature colourful, narrative style, with inspiration drawn from time the artist spent volunteering in Nepal. The beautiful culture and surroundings of Nepal captured the imagination of Amatina, while the difficulties faced by the small country drew her to support charitable efforts. After the devastating earthquakes of April and May 2015 in Nepal, Amatina became driven to organise the 'Kathmandu Calling!' series of paintings.

The unique combination of art, Nepalese culture, and creative events will create a bridge between the Reading community and the remote Himalayan country. Engaging Reading's significant local Nepalese population through partnerships and culturally engaging events, Amatina seeks to educate the greater Reading community about Nepal. "I cannot wait to showcase my new body of work inspired by my time spent volunteering & travelling in Nepal," says the artist. "This is absolutely my most powerful collection to date, & with 20% going to two incredible charities - Kathmandu is *truly* calling!"

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