Thirty children who study at national plastic arts schools on April 6 are taking part in the fourth painting contest “Spring Exhibition” organized for charitable purpose by the Regina Pacis Foundation under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research and the Embassy of Italy in Chisinau. The young painters focus on the works of painter, sculptor and architect Leonardo da Vinci, IPN reports.

Daniel Caldare is from the Plastic Arts School of Ungheni. He said he is fond of painting, while Leonardo da Vinci’s works are every time in his attention. “On the recommendation of my painting teacher, I  accepted to take part and see what I and other competing painters can do. I will paint something from mechanics or engineering  as Leonardo da Vinci has many works on the issue,” stated Daniel Caldare.

Mădălina Spânu studies at the Academic Lyceum of Plastic Arts “Igor Vieru” of Chisinau. She said she wanted to take part in this contest because the topic seemed interesting to her. “Leonardo da Vinci is a famous painter from whose works one can inspire oneself. Today I will paint an open-air figure and will introduce some elements of Leonardo da Vinci’s works,” she said.

Vlad Visilovski comes from the School of Arts of Balti municipality. The young man was advised to compete in the contest by his painting teacher. “He probably taught I would be a worthy competitor and I accepted the challenge. Today I will merge a number of Leonardo da Vinci’s works into one,” stated Vlad Visilovski.

“I decided to compete in order to test my capacities of painter and artist. I will paint on the basis of two works of da Vinci and will also use elements of the works of Klimt so as to present a view of da Vinci in the form of spring,” noted Daniela Crudu, of the Academic Lyceum of Plastic Arts “Igor Vieru”.

Regina Pacis Foundation director Ilie Zabica said the works of the young painters will be exhibited for sale in galleries in Moldova and Italy. The proceeds will go to the child’s placement center of the Foundation, which offers protection to children in situations of risk and without parental care. Currently, the center accommodates 14 children. About €2,500 in proceeds was collected last year. Promoting young talents is another objective of the contest.

Italy’s Ambassador in Chisinau Valeria Biagiotti said the Embassy always supports initiatives designed to promote cultural and artistic activities. The event is devoted to Leonardo da Vinci in connection with the celebration of the 500th anniversary of his death. “I hope this will be a nice and unforgettable experience for these talented children who will take part in the contest. For its part, the Embassy will offer an award to one of the winners,” stated Valeria Biagiotti.

The children will paint during four hours. A jury will then choose the best works and will award them.