Mangalore: Art always gains a place of prominence in Indian lives, said Dr M Mohan Alva, Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 57th painting exhibition of artiste Devadas Shetty Mumbai at Prasad Art Gallery on August 28, Tuesday. The exhibition will be held for three days.

He was also appreciative of Shetty’s paintings which depict the uniqueness of the coastal region.

Several art works in oil painting, water colour, paper collage, metal mural,  and metal canvas are on display and most of them  reflect rural life.

Sumithra, better half of Devadas Shetty, Koti Prasad Alva  of Prasad Art Gallery, Ganesh Somayaji, noted artiste and others were present.