In case you want to have a productive weekend, you should know that the South Kolkata art studio Art Rickshaw is hosting a splendid set of learner’s workshops, featuring four unique sessions by local craftsmen from Chitpur, and The Community Art Project in Association with The Chitpur Craft Collective. The area of Chitpur in Northern Kolkata has historically been known as Bengal’s cultural centre and Chitpur Road has been home to craftsmen since the seventeenth century. It is not just one of the oldest roads in the city but is also home to several craftspersons, who have been associated with their respective crafts for over three generations.
Local Craft Tales, which is scheduled to happen between September 6 and 8, is a celebration of these craftsmen and their art. From terracotta art to dim sum making to native hastashilpo (hand-made art), you can learn anything. Here's a calendar to help you out:
The Art of Hastashilpo
Learn the art of crafting bamboo from Binod Pakray & take home a beautiful fairy light adorned with little bamboo fishes. Revile in the festive cheer by trying your hand at the pottery wheel and creating beautiful terracotta diyas with potter Shankar Pandit.
Friday 6th September | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Rs. 1050 per head
The Art of Stencilling
Learn more about hidden secrets of the street art culture in Kolkata with artist Sumantra Mukherjee, through an interactive talk session. Following which, you can create a stencil of your own with Bholanath Das and use it to create your very own graffiti!
Saturday 7th September | 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Rs. 750 per head
The Art of Words
Dive deep into the world of Urdu calligraphy with scholar Usman Ghai with an hour-long session. Pick and choose a word and practice it in Urdu Calligraphy - only to be made into your very own stamp! Craftsman Babu da, a veteran in stamp making, will help you convert the chosen words into a rubber stamp, ready to ink and use as a collectable treasure.
You can also create your custom hand-bound book of poetry with artist Panchanan Boral. After the workshop participants can exchange stamps and take prints in each other's notebook!
Saturday 7th September | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Rs. 1500 per head
The Art of Cheenapara
Learn Chinese paper cutting to adorn your home from artist Mr Tiencheng Huang. Followed by a hands-on dim sum making demo session where Nicholas and Lily will teach you the secrets of making piping hot dumplings, sui mai and more, a speciality of Tiretti Bazaar breakfast market!
Sunday 8th September | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Rs. 950 per head.