The joint event, organized by the MLF French School and the Byashim Nurali Ashgabat Art School, became a highlight in the lives of its young participants. The meeting, eagerly anticipated by both schools, promised to be not only engaging but also imbued with creative meaning.

The French School students had prepared a list of questions for their new friends in advance and brought sets of professional pencils for the Nurali students. The young artists, in turn, decided to give something more personal and original: they created portraits of the MLF students from photographs they had received in advance.

Finally, the long-awaited day of the excursion arrived. The anxious anticipation of the meeting was relieved by a small incident: despite the driver's prior instructions on the location, the bus carrying the guests passed the hospitably open gates and the welcomingly waving Nurali students. However, after a brief maneuver, the "lost" guests were joyfully returned.

The director of the Byashim Nurali School warmly welcomed the guests: "Welcome to a school with rich traditions and history!"

The young French guests immediately appreciated the cozy, well-kept school courtyard. Of particular interest was the statue of Byashim Nurali, the renowned Turkmen artist whose name the school bears, in front of the main entrance.

In the school foyer, where diplomas and awards from prestigious competitions were displayed, the guests became convinced that the Nurali School is more than just an educational institution. Several generations of outstanding Turkmen artists, jewelers, and carpet makers have graduated from its walls. This was evidenced not only by the awards, but also by the stands with the works of current students, as well as by the exhibition organized as part of a wonderful tradition of giving each student the opportunity to host their own personal exhibition, which is updated every two weeks.

The tour of the classrooms began with the youngest students—the first-graders. Although admission to the art school is strictly limited to the age of 12 (after passing three challenging exams), the first-graders already demonstrated a serious approach to work. Their lesson took place outdoors, where, inspired by the autumn landscape of the school garden, they created sketches. The guests carefully compared their drawings with those of real nature.

The second-graders were busy painting still lifes, but they happily took a break from their work to chat with the guests, sharing painting techniques and materials. Walking through the long corridors, transformed into a gallery showcasing the students' best works, was a true cultural immersion. Paintings featuring everyday scenes, scenes of traditional rituals, and fragments of Turkmen fairy tales evoked genuine delight.

Third and fourth grade students demonstrated a higher level of skill. Their works were distinguished by complex techniques, subtle color selection, and precise linework. The guests were particularly impressed by a perfectly round sphere and cube, drawn by hand in pencil—the use of aids is strictly prohibited here. The soon-to-be professionals explained that their skills are important not only for the visual arts but also for architecture, design, and other creative professions.

Time flew by, and the visit reached its climax—the gift-giving ceremony. These were the very same portraits created by the young Nurali students from photographs. The director, wanting to stir up the suspense, turned each drawing over to face the audience, allowing them to identify the subject themselves.

The first portrait drew a roar of applause, accompanied by a joyful cry of "This is Tudor!" The smiling "original" emerged from the group to receive his gift. Each new name was greeted with children's exclamations of delight, turning the ceremony into a vibrant, emotional celebration.

On the bus ride back, each student from the French school held onto their portrait, reluctant to part with the precious gift, despite the adults' pleas to carefully fold it for easy access. Most importantly, each participant took home not just a souvenir, but a piece of the talent, friendship, and rich artistic tradition of the Byashim Nurali School—a painted portrait to cherish for a long time.

Ayna SHIROVA