The contest announced among Turkmen artists to mark the national holiday – Turkmen Melon Day was summed up in the framework of the exposition that is opened at the Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan
The exposition organized by the Ministry of Culture and TV and Radio Broadcasting and the Food Industry Association included the works created by the Turkmen artists and sculptures, which are kept in the depositories of the Museum along with the works presented to the contest. The leitmotif of the exposition is generosity of the native land that is famous for its fruits with ‘the queen of melon fields’ occupying a special place. From ancient times Turkmen melons are known across the world and highly valued for their unsurpassed taste properties. Today, in the new historical epoch this ‘heavenly fruit’ is recognized as a national property and embodies talent and diligence of Turkmen farmers, who maintain the ancestors’ traditions in a worthy manner.
Melons and water melons of different varieties which were delivered from the melon plantations to the spacious exhibition hall add the bright colours to the exposition. Generous dastarkhan is laid for the visitors of the exposition.
The culmination of the exposition opening ceremony was the ceremony of awarding the winners of the contest. The jury awarded the first prize to a graduate of the State Academy of Fine Arts Sh. Khudayberenova for the tapestry “Festival of Melons” and the second prize for a well-known artist N. Yershov for the picture “Garrygyz” and other works. An artist from Mary Ya. Myradalyev received the third prize for the picture “From Jeykhun to Bakhry Khazar”. The prizes and valuable gifts were presented to the winners on behalf of the Food Industry Association to the applause of those present. The participants of the contest received the encouragement prizes.
The workers of culture an art performed a concert for the participants and guests of the ceremony.