In the mix: Hanh Phuc Vang (Golden Happiness) by Dao Quoc Huy is one among artworks displayed at the exhibition. — VNS Photo

HA NOI (VNS) — An exhibition of paintings and sculptures opened Saturday at Ha Noi's Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum to celebrate the Viet Nam Year of Family 2013 and International Museum Day (May 18).

Entitled "Source of Happiness", the exhibition features artworks examining family sentiment by veteran artists such as Tran Van Can, Le Quoc Loc and Vu Giang Huong; artists from the following generation including Tran Luu Hau, Huy Oanh and Nguyen Quan; as well as young artists Vu Cuong, Ha Chi Hieu and Dao Quoc Huy.

All the artworks on show have been picked up from the collections of the museum and the artists themselves.

On the same day, an educational activity session was held for groups of students and families in conjunction with the exhibition. They were invited to visit the artworks and then took part in a group discussion with the artists.

They were also given their own chance to create paintings on the theme of family sentiment and displayed the fruits of their labours in the museum's outdoor space.

The participants also learned the subtleties of traditional crafts such as Dong Ho paintings, Bat Trang pottery and Chang Son paper fan.

The event aimed to draw attention to the museum's image, activities and artefacts, while offering people, especially children, a chance to enjoy the artworks, understand Vietnamese family sentiment and experience creative activities, said Phan Van Tien, the museum's director.

It followed on from the museum's initiative to help the public and children improve their art knowledge through visiting the museum.

"We expect that by exploring the exhibition, all participants will respect Vietnamese family values and the nation's traditional fine arts heritage," he said.

The exhibition runs until May 29 at the Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ha Noi. — VNS