A Day of Creative Reckoning for Young Art Enthusiasts and Schoolchildren at SIBF 2023

Art enthusiasts and school going children spent the inaugural day of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Wednesday honing their creative abilities and imaginative powers using the magic of comic characters.

From manufacturing aromatic stones to drawing popular cartoon characters on leather wallets, young guests learnt it all on a day filled with activity workshops planned throughout the 12-day festival.

“Children often have a favourite character and series, and they want to own something that is related (to that series). So here we try to teach them a customary art on wallets. So if they are a fan of Mickey Mouse or Frozen or even a Japanese anime, like for example, Demon Slayer, this is the workshop where they get to show their dedication by painting it on a wallet and keeping it,” explained Emirati comic artist Maha Almheiri who is conducting a selection of workshops at the festival’s Comic Corner in Hall 7 for the first four days including ‘Drawing on Leather’ workshop that gives young participants an opportunity to learn various leather crafting techniques.

Almheiri is also teaching children how to mould gypsum plaster to manufacture aromatic stones with the use of special scents and shapes at the drawing with aromatic stones workshop. “So, we use plaster of Paris, two portions of that with one portion of water. And then the kids choose their favourite fragrance and colour and they put it in a mould. And this creates chalk that’s very unique,” said AlMheiri.

Other activity workshops to look out for on Day 2 of SIBF on Nov 2:

Pottery Art Plate

A workshop that lets your creativity shine as you work with clay as you experience the magic of pottery in our workshop and craft with your own hand a clay plate with an embossed face.

Draw with Woody

With performances in 9 countries, this interactive and captivating act brings art to life and delights audiences around the world. Inspired by books and pens, this is a delightful interactive act that brings an artistic mannequin to life.

Scrolling Sprouts

A session where you learn to grow your own delicious sprouts that are full of vitamins and minerals and learn more about nature. You will also learn about the philosophy of sustainable design, and organic recycled materials.

3D printed calligraphy keychains

Participants will discover how to blend calligraphy and 3D printing as they create personalised keychains, while also learning how to transform ideas into stunning 3D-printed keepsakes.