Chitra Santhe at exhibition ground

Buddha in meditation, birds perched on a tree, children playing to their hilt, nature in all abundance, all in the form of paintings have dotted the lane in front of Fine Arts and Handicrafts Sub-Committee at Dasara Exhibition Ground.

Karnataka Exhibition Authority has organised ‘Chitra Santhe’, a two-day State-level exhibition-cum-sale of paintings beginning from Sunday. Handicrafts and photographs are among the other exhibits. Participants from Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Raichur, Chikkamagaluru, Davangere, Kalaburagi, Chitradurga and Udupi district are taking part in the event. Artists from neighbouring States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have put the indigenous art of their states on display.

Budding artist Fida Afreen, a second year BCom student at Jnana Jyothi College, Mysuru, feels that the event gives a platform to display and market her works.

Afreen has displayed canvas painting, water painting, grass painting and many more priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 20, 000.

Pratyasha Nithin, a full-time artist from Uttar Pradesh, has displayed her art works --- Mysore and Tanjore style of paintings and digital paintings. She is happy about receiving a good response from visitors.

The exhibition also features a variety of household articles, wall hangings, floor mats of varied shades and carpets made by traditional artisans.

Azmath Unnisa, an artist and also a teacher at Rajendranagar School in Mysuru, says the event motivates budding artists to involve more in handicraft and art works. The authorities must encourage youths to protect various forms of arts, she added.

About 90 students of Vyjayanti School of Arts, Sri Kalaniketana School of Arts, Raviverma School of Arts and Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) have displayed their art works like coffee paintings (painting with coffee powder), wood and stone murals, jute mural, glass and stain glass paintings.

The exhibition also has various furniture items, including chairs and tables made of wood. An array of cane and bamboo furniture are also available here. Imitation jewellery is another highlight of the event.