So, Day 3 of Art In The Park and the workshop participants seem to be enjoying pushing a few boundaries. If you haven’t already, check out the posts about Day 1 and Day 2 sessions.

As usual, things start with a nondescript line or a splash of paint.

And then stuff starts happening fast.

Forms appear, elements get added, more paint gets splashed around.

Characters get life.

“Caterpillar”, by a 6-year old:

“Butterfly”, by a 3-year old:

“Dancing Person”, by an 8-year old:

“Ipad & Sticks”, by a 2.5 year old:

Things seem to be warming up. The neem tree is, as usual, keeping it cool for us.

Today we carried forward the theme from the first session of Art In The Park initiative for young children.

The children explored shape, structure and dynamics of natural elements through a mix of materials.

The outcome was amazing.

Art works produced by 2.5 to 3.5 year old children out of their own spontaneity and volition, with a bit of encouragement and guidance.

Art In The Park series for children aims to explore this beautiful philosophy. Today was the very first session. A few sights that greeted us when we entered Lodhi Gardens:

Majestic trees, vibrant green grass, the chirping of birds – could be a perfect day for picnic. And we were carrying a picnic basket as well.

We explored around for a bit: seeing, smelling, listening and touching; singing and telling stories at the same time. Then we just went and splashed it all out on our art-boards.

This was it, today:

Had fun today. See you again on Friday!

This time we’ll be holding the sessions outdoors at Lodhi Gardens. Art in the Park, that’s what it is! Beautiful atmosphere, fresh air, lovely light, children, some art and loads of fun.

There are 2 time slots to choose from:

Venue: Lodhi Gardens (near the pond, under the group of old trees)
All materials will be provided. Limited class size.
Workshop is structured as 4-sessions.

Notes:
- The age group is right from 2.5 to 6 years, so siblings can join together… and yet do their own thing.
- Children should be accompanied by a care giver.
- They may carry a water bottle, a small snack, and a picnic mat.
- Clothes may get stained or dirty during activities, children may wear something accordingly.

For any queries / suggestions or registration, please email urvikhanna@gmail.com, or use the comments form below.

All materials will be provided, either a parent or caregiver can accompany the toddler for the duration of the session.

Currently the sessions will be held at Nizamuddin East, New Delhi Community Center.
Once a week
Duration: 1 hr
Total 4 sessions

For any queries / suggestions or registration, please email urvikhanna@gmail.com or post a comment or registration request here.

Art can be a powerful tool for self expression while being total fun. Children can learn about their environment and share their experiences through art and learn to cooperate and collaborate. The program also aims to develop communication and motor skills; fuel their imagination and expose them to the various possibilities with art.

The village surroundings are picturesque and easy on the eyes. Both the houses and common spaces of the village are usually kept clean. Adults and children likewise seem to be in a cheerful mood. It does feel like they love what they do. Oh, and there’s cricket!

The challenging part has been to photograph the workspaces where the actual weaving is done. The rooms with the looms are only dimly lit because the weavers can’t afford the power. Getting the right exposure to catch the rhythmic motion of a weaver’s loom was difficult. Some of the images below have been shot in near dark conditions.

The whole process of creating an Ikat sari is lengthy and complex. You need to make the yarn, dye it, dry it and then weave it.

The weavers are a passionate and proud lot. Sometimes, a sari may take years to complete. The devotion to the craft is inspirational. This is the way of the Ikat weaver.

Some of the results of this ongoing work using mixed media on paper are presented below.