“I’m not Married, yet I Have 17 Children”

30-year-old Artur Melkonyan from Voskevan is not married, yet he says with laughter that he has 17 children. This is the number of students that attend art school, which the village enthusiast founded in 2010. Nowadays 5 graduates of this art school get their education on applied and decorative arts at various universities; 4 more graduates are to get enrolled at universities this year. Artur’s youngest pupil is a fourth-form kid; the older ones will leave school this year. As they get enrolled at universities, they do not forget about Artur and every time they pay a visit to their village they also call by the school and its new students.

“My love for art became stronger and more exact when I got enrolled at the relevant faculty of Yerevan State University’s Ijevan branch in 2002. I began doing stone work during my military service. About two months after returning home I had the idea of establishing an art school”, tells Artur.

It took Artur half a year to found school and acquire necessary equipment for the school-studio. Even the newly-qualified tutor was surprised how fast a student group was formed. More than 40 youngsters came from Voskevan and neighbouring Bahanis on the very first day. Part of them flunked out, but most were talented and they stayed. The coursework has made it clear to Artur that there are many talented children in Voskevan. Since then he has decided to bend every effort to develop their artistic flair and skills.

In summers Artur takes his students to work plein-air. Along with Koghb art school Voskevan students set out for mountains for a month. “This is a good training wheel for their education. It’s one thing to paint indoor, but it is completely different to work in our figurative mountains – thank God we do not lack nature”, says the young teacher.

When establishing his art school Artur’s main purpose was to find a decent occupation for village children since they have literally nothing to do in their free time – especially those from border areas. “No matter how often we talk that we are used to shellfire, bullet life does not have the best impact on children. Their minds are always the first victims of every single murder on the border, every single sabotage attack or cattle disappearance. I know that feeling like no one else”, he says shrugging his shoulders.

Speaking of the isolation of the mountainous village, Artur says that unlike their city peers children lack seeing many things. The village teacher tries to broaden their horizon to make them able to develop independently and gain profession afterwards. “In case of war the younger generation is to be ready both morally and physically to face it. Doing this requires a purpose, kids must know what they live for and what they want to achieve”, believes Artur.

Despite being keen on painting since his childhood, Artur assures the war and permanent shellfires have become a creativity impetus. “Our generation grew to sounds of shellfire, so we fear nothing for we are used to such conditions. It is important that the younger generation grow with the same attitude, be life-motivated with no fear for slings and arrows of life. Though one understands that our future is in good hands when seeing munchkins with toy guns in the streets”, he laughs.

Artur sculptures, incises monuments and cross stones. There are dozens of sculptures that bear Artur’s fingerprint. Yet working with children is Artur’s main mission for he believes that once battered nails are to be driven to the head. His job is based on public sources, but he hopes that one day the government will contribute to art school.

“I don’t need anything; I just wish there were financial aid to develop our school and potential. I covered almost all expenses on my own. Of course, we receive financial and physical aid from good-will people. Koghb art school has really helped us a lot”, he tells. Artur works on his own, but he hopes that one day he will officially register the school and get professionals engaged in the teaching process. “My friends and I are working in that direction. We are planning to launch sculpting lessons. We are facing several space problems, but we will solve them soon enough”, he believes.

 “Whether we receive aid or not – in both cases it will be good. Governmental contribution is first of all necessary for engaging professionals who would teach children. However, these professionals are to be paid, yet I cannot afford it. Registering the school, as well as funding it will significantly increase our chances and improve the outcome. The kids know the ropes, they are already quite independent and that inspires with optimistic views”, he sums up surrounded by his smiling students.

Note: the material has been prepared with input from International Alert within the framework of the EPNK project “Unheard Voices” financed by the EU. The journalists are responsible for the content of the material which does not necessarily reflect the outlook of International Alert, ЕPNK and our contributors.