*****************************************************
More than 50 paintings depicting Hong Kong Geopark in different artistic styles are now on display at 3/F, iSquare, Tsim Sha Tsui.
The art exhibition, organised by the Environment Bureau, features works by students attending the Simply Art art school and members of the Hong Kong (China) Painting Calligraphy for the Aged Study Association.
"These paintings cover various aspects of Hong Kong Geopark, including its extraordinary geological features and special local characteristics. Some works depict its proximity to the bustling metropolis, highlighting the uniqueness of our geo-heritage," the Under Secretary for the Environment, Dr Kitty Poon, said during a visit to the exhibition today (November 24).
In addition to the exhibition, there is a special area for children to draw images of "their" Hong Kong Geopark on hexagonal paper. Their artworks will be put up on a display board for public viewing. Information on Hong Kong Geopark is also available at the venue so that the public can learn more about the city's geological treasure.
"Hong Kong Geopark has become a member of the Global Geoparks Network, under which it is officially named as the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. This honour underlines the uniqueness of Hong Kong's geo-features. It also affirms our efforts in managing and conserving our geo-heritage as well as in raising public awareness of geo-conservation," Dr Poon said.
Through the exhibition, the public can gain a better understanding of the geopark, learn more about geo-scientific knowledge and improve their awareness of nature conservation, she added.
Hong Kong Geopark covers Sai Kung and the northeastern part of Hong Kong, and became a national geopark in November 2009. Various facilities have since been provided for visitors to the geopark to learn more about geo-features and geo-conservation, including a visitor centre, four geo-heritage centres, and 10 geo-tour routes (including both land and sea routes). Since its opening, it has drawn over 1.5 million visitors.
The exhibition is open to the public from noon to 9.30pm until Sunday (November 27).
Ends/Thursday, November 24, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:55
NNNN
