Karnataka - Bangalore   

A complete art experience

BANGALORE: From colourful Channapatna toys to the intricate Kantha work on saris, artisans from 29 districts in Karnataka and other States across the country will showcase their work at Craft Bazaar 2008, which was inaugurated at Gandhi Shilp Bazaar here on Friday.

The art experience begins from the entrance itself, where an arch with intricate ceramic carvings and colourful displays welcomes one to sample the fiesta inside.

The event, which is organised by the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Textiles, and the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., was inaugurated by P.K.H. Tharakan, Adviser to Governor Rameshwar Thakur.

The event will be open on all days till March 16 and hosts 35 stalls showcasing a variety of handicrafts and textile material.

Colourful leather puppetry from Dharmavaram in Andhra Pradesh and mud art from Kutch are just a few examples of the unique items on display.

“The objective is to give exposure to artisans and provide a forum, where no middleman involves. The public can also help these artisans. It is an excellent opportunity for these artisans,” said L. Shantakumari, Chairperson of Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd.

The programme was funded by the Union Government and the corporation expected sales worth Rs. 90 lakh. Last year, the exhibition fetched Rs. 70 lakh, she said.

The artisans are given travel allowance and are also helped in terms of organising and setting up their stalls.

Shankar Paul from Kolkota said that he was a national award winner and his family and village depended on this art for sustenance.

His saris with intricate Kantha work had fetched him the award.

Though several stalls have artisans who have won awards and are quite accomplished, there are others like Siddaiah who is an artist from Nimmalakunta selling colourful lampshades and wall hangings.

His wife said that it was only exhibitions such as this one that provided them the platform to sell their products and make a living.

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