Sand sculptures promote sea protection

An exhibition of sand sculptures opened on June 12 on Nha Trang city beach, in the coastal province of Khanh Hoa, as part of celebrations to mark Sea Festival 2011.
An exhibition of sand sculptures opened on June 12 on Nha Trang city beach, in the coastal province of Khanh Hoa, as part of celebrations to mark Sea Festival 2011.

On display are 15 sculptures created by more than 40 artists designed to promote environmental awareness.
"We hope the exhibition will make people think about protecting the environment, as well as give tourists something interesting to look at," said Ho Hoang Oanh, director of GTO Media Corporation, which organised the event.

"The sculptures are incredible. I hope they inspire people to join hands to protect our environment," she said.

Adjacent to the sand sculptures is a display of installation art, also on the theme of environmental awareness, using materials such as straw, sea shells and nylon.

Artist Tran Thi Thu's work is far from grandiose and are small enough to make great souvenirs. She is displaying about 300 paintings at Thap Ba (Ponagar Tower), which is also taking part in the sea festival.

"This is the second time I have participated in the sea festival," Thu said. "I have in the past displayed paintings of President Ho Chi Minh and scenic landmarks in Nha Trang city at Ponagar Tower, in Nha Trang Bay and on Co Tien (Fairy) Mountain."

She has worked with sand for about 10 years.

"Many tourists, especially foreigners, have visited my exhibition and expressed their fascination with using sand to make art," she said. "They particularly like to have a memento of Nha Trang made from local sand."

There are also exhibitions on Tran Phu and Pham Van Dong streets, including calligraphy by 16 artists and an artistic photo exhibition named The Beauty of Sandalwood Land./.

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