National arts and crafts exhibition opens in Ha Noi

Craftsman Quach Van Hieu from Ha Noi will receive a gold medal at the opening ceremony of the Second National Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Ha Noi today, December 1.
Hieu’s silver fan-shaped box was made using Vietnamese traditional handicraft skills. It is also one of the six artworks from ASEAN countries to win a prize at the ASEAN Handicraft Festival 2008 in Ha Noi.
The exhibition will showcase 472 artworks by 238 artists from 20 provinces and cities throughout the country.
The exhibits were selected from artworks and graphics applications made in the 2005-09 period for the national exhibition this year.
The craft pieces are made a variety of synthetic and natural materials and include woven fabrics, rattan, ceramics, lacquerware, jewellery, carvings and industrial designs.
A total of 32 prizes will be awarded in two categories to artists and craftsmen. Each category will include one gold, two silver, three bronze medals and 10 commendations.
The exhibition is held every five years for artists, craftsmen and enterprises to meet and exchange experiences.
The exhibition runs until December 7 at the Viet Nam Culture and Art Exhibition Centre, 2 Hoa Lu Street, Ha Noi.