By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK The relationship between the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre and the John Muafangejo Art Centre goes way back,” said the director of the FNCC, Catherine Calophy, when she officially opened the Annual Student Exhibition at the Namibia National Art Gallery on Wednesday evening. “For years, we have supported JMAC in different ways. Today, we help JMAC to buy art material – it may seem a little down to earth but, together with JMAC, we feel it is the indispensable starting point for the work of its students. At the FNCC, we support and conquer with the generous contribution by JMAC – any individual, irrespective of his or her social position, financial situation or educational background, can be touched by art. Through JMAC, artistic expression is made accessible to all, as a token of trust in the value of each human being. We are proud to contribute to the implementation of this noble approach,” she said. “I went through the exhibition today and found some pieces very striking, added Catherine. I would like to tell a story to the young artists present here tonight. It’s the story of Fabienne Verdier, a French woman who first studied art in France. In the Eighties she decided she wanted to go to China. She spoke no Chinese, she had very little money, and her life in the Chinese university was not easy. Material conditions were difficult, and the general attitude towards foreigners was not friendly.” Continuing to tell her story, she said: “First, she managed to find an old calligraphy teacher who had fallen into disgrace during the Cultural Revolution. It took a long time to convince him that she too deserved being taught. After a while, the old teacher agreed, on the condition that teaching would take ‘some time’. And it took ten years. The old teacher also said that ‘for some time, you will use only black ink’. And for ten years, she never used any other color.” In paying tribute to the French artists, she said that for more than a decade her commitment was unwavering, her struggle constant and her sacrifices unlimited. “Today, Fabienne Verdier is a famous calligrapher in Europe. She created her own style, and her talent is widely recognized. I hope you will not find this story too edifying. It is a story about hard work and commitment, as indispensable elements of the life of an artist. To all the young artists present here tonight I would like to wish just this – hard work,” the FNCC director concluded.