What - “Strokes at the Mews” 
Where - Park Street Mews 
When - August 5, 2016 

This week on WTF, we were happy to be invited to cover a collection of very talented people, who were making big headlines at the Park Street Mews, with “Strokes at the Mews”. Leo Burnett is one of the world’s largest agency networks with 96 offices in 84 countries across the globe. As a humankind communications company, their approach to marketing communications enables people to create truly innovative ideas that go beyond the norm. Because at Leo Burnett, they create acts not ads. 

Speaking to me, the man who has been working with a great team, and making this a reality is the very talented and dedicated Rinesh Jayarathne. “Leo Art” is an artists-in-residence programme designed to encourage creativity in the fine arts, by providing artists with a space to express creative ideas, collaborate with agency teams on commercial projects and be seen and appreciated by a wider audience. As Leo Burnett Worldwide celebrates 81 years of creative leadership, we would like to give back to the creative community by honouring Sri Lankan artists.” he said. 

The 7th edition of “Leo Art” which took place last weekend featured 18 leading artists. One person just won my heart with his work, Vajira Gunawardena, who is currently a Visiting Lecturer at the University of the Visual & Performing Arts. Vajira holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA Degree) from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies at the University of Kelaniya and a Diploma of Product Design (Leather Design) from the Designing Department of the Cottage and Textile Industries Department. And I just did fall in love with his work, well.. he drew his own face, but it had a human story to it! 

This year, the programme will showcase over 70 breathtaking works of art and every piece was a great buy with millions of stories written with colours. Featured artists for this year were J.C. Ratnayake, Sanjeewa Kumara, Anura Dahanayaka, Chamila Gamage, Dep Thushara, Dileepa Jeewantha, Lasantha Kumara, Prageeth Ratnayake, Priyal Ranjan, Sameera Buddika, Sanjaya Senevirathna, Susil Senanayake, Vajira Gunawardene, Vikum Bandara, Vimukthi Sahan Samaraweera, Renuka Dias and Chiranthi Gunasekara. 

And if you have missed out on this, no issue as you can always check their website for more details. Speaking to me, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera said “This is great, and to see how are country is full of talent is an amazing feeling”. 

This exhibition opened with Prof. Maithree Wickremasinghe as the Chief Guest, and was given life by many art enthusiasts, and adding to the global celebration Ranil De Silva - Managing Director at Leo Burnett Solutions Inc. said “This will only get stronger with the years to come”. 

Today on WTF 

Hair and make up - Capello Salon 
Transport Partner - PickMe 
Video and photographs by KING'S Co. 
Outfit - Jump