When someone says the words ‘Art Rickshaw’, the first thing that crosses any Kolkatans mind is the muraled facade that adorns Hindustan Park. Or perhaps, the dynamic street art festival — Kolkata Arts Lane Festival — that fosters the spirit of fraternity in Kolkata’s artscape. Now, the art gallery is hosting some unique events, held both online and offline.
“Art Rickshaw has always been about creating a space that makes art accessible. When the pandemic began, we felt it was our responsibility to come up with activities that helped people easily practise art at home,” says 25-year-old Devanshi Rungta, who runs Art Rickshaw along with her mother Shailja Rungta.
The concept art gallery went ahead and hosted several online classes in association with professional artists and craftsmen throughout the pandemic, for both children and adults. Classes were held through IGTV videos and Instagram Lives, which garnered Art Rickshaw a large following.
“Since the online classes were so popular, we’ve added similar events as in-person classes, this month onwards,” informs Devanshi. The aim of these events is to help Kolkatans experience and enjoy art in a safe space, without the pressure of having to excel at it.
Art Rickshaw in Hindustan Park Art Rickshaw
My Kolkata brings you the lowdown of Art Rickshaw’s June calendar:
Dastaan-e-Chaubali
Art Rickshaw, in collaboration with East India Dastangos, brings to Kolkatans an enchanting narration of Rajasthani folklore. Artists Zahid Hossain and Palash Chaturvedi, who are regulars at Art Rickshaw’s recitation events, will bring the tales to life on Saturday evening. If you’re a lover of literature, especially folklore, don’t miss out!
When: June 4; 6pm onwards
Fees: Free, entry by prior reservation only. Call 8335855530 to book.
Terrazzo Workshop
Apart from the terrazzo workshops, Art Rickshaw also hosts weekly ceramic and pottery workshops
Working with terrazzo is often a delicate affair. During this workshop, Art Rickshaw’s in-house professionals will take attendees through the intricacies of working with the material — what to look out for, what to keep in mind and more. Attendees will learn how to make trays and coasters using terrazzo.
When: June 3; 4pm onwards
Fees: Rs 1,350
Textures and Multimedia Art Camp
In this art camp, spread over three days, attendees will learn fluid art (art using runny acrylics), resin jewellery, and leaf painting with watercolours. Independent workshops on acrylic paintings, how to make quirky bookmarks and terrazzo coasters will also be held. The workshop is open for children and adults so families can pack in some quality time this summer!
When: June 10, 11, 12; 11.30am onwards
Fees: Rs 2,400
4 in 4
Inspired by Van Gogh’s art gallery, Art Rickshaw’s ‘4 in 4’ event helps artists create their own collages over four Sundays. A professional artist will take attendees through painting on a canvas, giving insightful tips and tricks on how to achieve a masterpiece that lives up to the maestro, Van Gogh.
When: Every Sunday; 12pm onwards
Fees: Rs 900
An origami workshop held for adults... Art Rickshaw
Summer Camp (for children)
1. Age group 4-8 years:
Children will participate in the following activities during the summer camp:
- Day1: Resin art keychain and finger puppets
- Day 2: Salt painting on canvas board and origami bird
- Day 3: Garden painting on a jute canvas
- Day 4: Make a picture frame with ice cream sticks, followed by cake cutting and exhibition of all artworks.
When: June 10, 11, 12; 11:30am onwards
Price: Rs 1,900 or Rs 500 per day
2. Age group 5-10 years:
Children will participate in the following activities during the summer camp:
- Day1: Resin art keychain and pointillism (through cotton buds)
- Day 2: Salt painting (resist method) on canvas board and different types of origami birds
- Day 3: Kandinsky inspired tree painting
- Day 4: Make a picture frame with ice cream sticks, followed by cake cutting and exhibition of all artworks.
When: June 7, 8, 9, 10; 11.30am onwards
Price: Rs 1,900 or Rs 500 per day
Apart from these events, Art Rickshaw’s regular events, such as Sip and Paint (a date night for couples), Pottery and Clay Sculpting, DIY Art Boxes, Neon Nights and Fine Art Classes, will continue.
Follow Art Rickshaw’s Instagram handle to know more about upcoming events!
