Free oil painting courses in remote town go viral

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A small art space in a remote town in southeast China's Fujian Province has attracted thousands of art-lovers from home and abroad. It offers free oil painting courses for everyone regardless of their backgrounds. Moreover, it provides those who have lost hope for an opportunity to change their lives with new inspiration. Our CGTN reporter went there to take a closer look at the art space.

Shen Minghui is a promising oil painter from a small village in southeast China. His paintings are exhibited all over the world including the Biennale Hors Normes in Lyon of France. These paintings can cost at least 1,000 yuan each, about 155 US dollars. One of them was sold for more than 10,000 yuan.

Antai Art Space in southeast China's Fujian Province has welcomed 20,000 people from over 10 countries. /CGTN Photo

Three years ago, this young disabled man made his living as a balloon vendor on the streets. But, a new beginning turned into an opportunity.

"I was very depressed after failing to start my own business," said Shen.

"‘The Disabled Persons' Federation in our county referred me to the Antai Art Space. I had no idea about oil painting and just came here for fun. I think my success was more unexpected than others," Shen added.

Lin Zhenglu (L), founder and teacher of the charitable painting project, teaches students in a unique manner. /CGTN Photo

The Antai Art Space is Shen and his fellows' painting house, which is located in Shuangxi, a remote town in Fujian.

Since 2015, the charitable project, sponsored by the local government, started offering people from all walks of life a chance to learn to paint for free. Everyone could join the project, under the condition that people stayed for at least one week.

This philanthropic effort was made possible by Lin Zhenglu. He has a unique teaching principle, which is to forget about skills and paint with heart.

"Everyone has artistic talents in different ways. So I asked them to paint what they like, instead of directly telling them right or wrong," said Lin Zhenglu, founder and teacher of the project.

"I work with them every day, and nothing could make me happier than turning the impossible into possible," Lin added.

In the beginning, the charitable project aimed to lift local villagers out of poverty, then, it went viral online.

So far, more than 20,000 people from over 10 countries have visited the art space. The art-lovers said they have already treated the area as a second home.

Shen Minghui, a young and promising painter, has been learning oil painting since 2015. Now his works are displayed in exhibitions at home and abroad. /CGTN Photo

"I learned about the place two years ago through an online social media post. I came from northwest China's Xi'an City. My major is art but I knew nothing about oil painting before," said Yuan Lin from Xi'an, an art lover.

"Here, the teachers require us to grab inspiration from real life and nature. It is a rewarding experience," said Yuan.

Shen Minghui and his fellows will continue to paint and make sure the success is not a fluke.