A fine arts exhibition is underway in Jinan, Shandong offering art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to appreciate the nation's best works.

A total of 647 pieces representing the top work in China are on show at the Shandong Art Museum in the capital city of the East China province.

As a part of the 10th China Art Festival hosted by Shandong, the exhibition kicked off on October 12 with the theme of "Chinese Style, Paintings of the Times".

Consisting of works by artists nationwide, the exhibition features paintings, prints, watercolors, oil paintings and sculptures.

"The event aims to enrich Chinese fine arts and encourage painters to create more masterpieces," said Vice-Minister of Culture Dong Wei.

"The exhibition shows the state of Chinese art over the past few years, they are very representative of our time," said Liu Dawei, chairman of the China Artists Association.

Works by artists in Shandong account for 26 percent of the total number on show, making it the leader among all the participating provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

During the exhibition, the museum will encourage artists to donate their works to libraries, schools and communities to promote education in fine arts.

The event is scheduled to close on Dec 30.

zhaoruixue@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/23/2013 page12)