The initiative came when Lewis took his children to the Diqlat school to learn the Assyrian language. One of the teachers once asked him if he can teach students the art of painting.
Lewis liked the idea and went home and started making small sculptures of different insects from clay. He brought them to school along with brushes and paint.
Lewis says, during the one-hour class, he noticed a great interest among the children while painting.
Learning and having fun at Diqlat Assyrian School Source: Lewis Batros.jpg
There were two or three kids that had a great brush touch, their way of painting was amazing.
Mr Batros says that it saddens him when Assyrian organisations and other Assyrian schools, have not tried to establish art classes at the Assyrian schools.
Gilgamesh Statue at the university of Sydney Source: GCC.jpg
Although all these students have art classes at their daytime schools, we are talking here about arts that are related to Assyrian heritage, focusing on Assyrian history and the artifacts that can be replicated, painted and exhibited.
Lewis believes one day, some of those children will become great artists that will serve their community and country with their art creations.
Shido Lamaso in front of Nineveh Club entrance Source: AAA.jpg
On the other hand, Mr Batros spoke about his trip to Melbourne to exhibit his sculptures at the Assyrian new year festival taking place on Monday 5 April.
He says that Assyrian community in Melbourne have heard about his works, but not many have seen them displayed. He sees the Akito festival as a good opportunity to exhibit his art.
Murals for houses Source: Lewis.jpg
He also has plans for an exhibition in September-October 2021, in Sydney and in Melbourne, where he will exhibit many of his old and new works including oil paintings, water paintings and sculptures.
