The Beacon - May 2024
Editorial Team : Harini Thiagarajan, Anishka Gogoi, Anvika Bheemarasetty, Guhan Thiagarajan
"Culture is a way of coping with the world by defining it in detail.” - Malcolm Bradbury
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"Culture is a way of coping with the world by defining it in detail.” - Malcolm Bradbury ~~
Recent Highlights
Team India Shines at Annual International Children's Friendship Festival
The Annual International Children's Friendship Festival saw an impressive representation from India for the sixth consecutive year, bringing a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and artistic talent to the event. Team India, led by a dedicated group of over 18 Deepti Designs artists, made a significant impact at the festival, held at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center on April 20th and 21st.
Table India was a standout attraction, drawing visitors with its rich display of artworks and a variety of traditional activities. The team organized engaging sessions of Henna art, Indian crafting, story-time, dress-up photo opportunities, and more, capturing the interest and participation of attendees.
"Our table was one of the most visited," noted one of the attendees with pride. The array of activities provided an immersive experience for festival-goers, allowing them to explore and appreciate the depth of Indian culture. The artists' efforts were met with enthusiastic applause and admiration from the diverse audience.
The festival, aimed at fostering international friendship and cultural exchange, provided a perfect platform for Team India to highlight the beauty and intricacy of its cultural traditions. The success of Table India underscored the importance of cultural representation and the joy of shared artistic expression.
Overall, the Annual International Children's Friendship Festival was a memorable event, with Team India contributing significantly to its vibrant tapestry. The team's participation not only celebrated Indian heritage but also promoted a spirit of global unity and cultural appreciation.
Participating artists - Sneha, Meera, Anvika, Aadya, Shriya, Varsha, Anugraha, Rama, Dhanya, Anika, Siyona, Adithi, Krithi, Shraddha
Participatation in Congressional Art Competition
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) had issued a call to local high school-aged students, urging them to showcase their artistic talents by participating in the annual Congressional Art Competition. The competition was open to students in grades 9-12 residing or attending high school in Washington’s First Congressional District. The winning entry adorns the halls of the U.S. Capitol for one year, while runners-up gets featured in DelBene’s congressional office.
Five artists from our school answered the congresswoman's call, participating in the competition and submitting their paintings. These talented artists Manvi Shukla, Jahnavi Shukla, Nethra Mahesh, Sanika Kabbur, Sathvik Kabbur were present at the awards reception held at the Vala Center, Redmond on April 25th, where they enjoyed the experience and celebrated their artistic achievements.
The Congressional Art Competition not only highlights the artistic prowess of young talents but also underscores the significance of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression among students.
Bellevue and Bothell Gurukul Campuses Host Engaging Madhubani Art Session
On April 21st, the Bellevue and Bothell Gurukul campuses came alive with the vibrant colors and intricate designs of Madhubani art. The campuses hosted a special art session led by two talented students from Deepti Designs, Ananya Vaidyaraman and Satvi Mathrubootham. The one-hour session provided an enriching experience for young participants, offering a deep dive into the rich history and techniques of this traditional Indian art form.
Ananya and Satvi captivated the children with their extensive knowledge of Madhubani art. The young artists shared fascinating insights into the art form's evolution — from its origins as a ritualistic practice to its recognition as a celebrated cultural art form. They explained the symbolic meanings behind common motifs and demonstrated various techniques used in creating Madhubani art.
The interactive session was a hit among the children, who were eager to learn and participate. They were particularly excited to create their own Madhubani bookmarks, applying the techniques and symbols they had just learned. The hands-on activity allowed them to express their creativity while gaining an appreciation for the cultural significance of the art form.
Sound Transit Redmond Technology Station Celebrates Grand Opening of Line 2 with Traditional Art Posters
On April 27th, the Sound Transit Redmond Technology Station celebrated the grand opening of its Line 2, marking a significant milestone in the region's public transportation development. The event was a vibrant celebration of community and art, featuring local artists and their unique contributions.
Among the highlights of the festivities was the unveiling of a commemorative poster created by Ms. Deepti Agrawal, one of three artists selected for this honor. Her poster, titled “Samaahit,” meaning “absorbed in meditation,” captivated attendees with its vibrant design. The artwork depicted an Indian woman in traditional attire, symbolizing cultural heritage, surrounded by elements representing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest—trees branching out, mountains, and gushing waters. Prominently featured in the design was the new Link light rail, seamlessly blending the themes of tradition and modernity.
Ms. Agrawal shared her thoughts on the piece via her Instagram page, describing it as “beautifully capturing the diversity of the PNW.” Her work not only celebrated the opening of the new transit line but also highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of the community.
The commemorative poster was made available for community members to take home as a keepsake, allowing them to remember this important milestone in Redmond's transportation history.
Fernwood Cultural Night
During Fernwood Elementary's Cultural Night on May 3rd, a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures and traditions took place. Various stalls showcased countries like Nigeria, Brazil, India, and Tunisia. Among them, three of our talented Deepti Designs students—Anugraha Ganesh, Aikya Prashanth, and Ritish Saraogi—set up a stall dedicated to Madhubani Art, a traditional Indian art form.
These young artists created tri-fold displays that delved into the history, origins, and tools of Madhubani Art. They also highlighted famous artists and showcased how Madhubani Art has been embraced throughout Washington. Visitors to the stall enjoyed a colorful and informative exhibit, experiencing the beauty and intricacy of this ancient art form.
Showcase of ArtWorks at Redmond Senior & Community Center
The City of Redmond announced a showcase of 2D artwork to be exhibited at the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, set to open in May 2024.
Ms. Deepti Agrawal was invited to participate in the exhibition, showcasing her talent and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Redmond. As an esteemed artist, Ms. Agrawal's participation adds to the diversity and richness of the exhibition.
Artworks featured in the exhibition may also be available for sale directly by the artist, providing an opportunity for both artists and art enthusiasts to support local talent and acquire unique pieces.
Deepti Designs Art Studio Hosts Heartwarming Mother’s Day Celebration
Sunday, May 5th, Deepti Designs Art Studio was alive with excitement and love as over 25 moms and their children gathered to celebrate Mother’s Day. The event, co-sponsored by Vidhya’s Music School, was organized to honor motherhood and strengthen community bonds, was a resounding success, leaving attendees with cherished memories.
The gala began with a heartfelt speech from Mrs. Deepti Agrawal, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for the day. Following her inspiring words, moms and their children engaged in an arts and crafts activity designed to celebrate the essence of motherhood. Together, they worked on creating beautiful plant potters, a symbol of growth and nurturing.
The activity provided a unique opportunity for families to bond, express creativity, and celebrate the special mother-child relationship.
The event not only honored mothers but also fostered a sense of community among the participants. Artists Alvika and Adithi volunteered tirelessly under the supervision of Nikitha Thakalath, Director of Events and Outreach, and made sure the event was a grand success.
Indian American Community Services Hosts Inspiring Evening of Dance and Art at Kirkland Performance Center
On Saturday, May 18th, the Kirkland Performing Center buzzed with excitement as the Indian American Community Services (IACS) sponsored an evening of Classical, Tap, and Exploratory dance aimed at addressing societal taboos and stigmas. The event sought to facilitate meaningful community conversations through the universal language of art and movement.
The evening commenced with a captivating stage presentation by three talented artists: Adithi Siva, Dhiya Souresh, and Mahathi Barrenkala. These young artists showcased their artworks, each reflecting themes of resilience, endurance, social justice, and community rising. Their traditional pieces provided a poignant narrative, setting the tone for the night.
Adithi, Dhiya, and Mahathi eloquently spoke about how their artworks conveyed powerful messages and sparked conversations on critical issues. Their presentation highlighted the deep-rooted cultural significance of their art while bridging traditional aesthetics with contemporary social themes. The audience responded with an enthusiastic roar of claps and applause, a testament to the impact of their presentation.
Upcoming Events
&
Opportunities
Newsletter Editors and Adult Mentor
Are you passionate about art and communication? Deepti Designs School of Art is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Newsletter Editors. If you have a keen eye for detail, excellent writing skills, and the ability to meet deadlines, we want to hear from you!
Eligibility:
Passion for art and creativity
Strong writing and editing skills
Ability to commit 1-2 hours per month
Excellent time management skills
Reliable and capable of meeting deadlines
Familiarity with newsletter platforms (experience preferred but not required)
Roles and Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the events team to create report on events
Plan and create engaging content for the monthly newsletter
Research and write articles, features, and announcements related to art education, events, student achievements, and school updates
Edit and proofread content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to the school's style guide
Coordinate with contributors, including students, faculty, guest artists, mentors to gather content and information
Design layout and format of the newsletter using a user-friendly platform
Manage the distribution of the newsletter to subscribers and maintain an organized email list
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our vibrant art community and showcase the talents of our students and faculty. If you are passionate about art education and communication and are ready to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply!
Individuals over 18 interested in mentoring the group of editors every month are welcome to apply for the mentorship role. The roles and responsibilities remain the same with lesser time committment
To apply, please submit your experience and a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to nikita@deeptidesigns.com. Deadline for submissions is June 1st 2024.
We look forward to welcoming new editors to our team and creating engaging newsletters that celebrate the beauty of art and creativity!
State of Washinton’s Parks and Recreation Department
We are excited to announce a wonderful opportunity for ONE talented artist to present their artwork on stage at the upcoming Washington Immigrant Network (WIN) annual celebration, hosted by the State of Washington’s Parks and Recreations Department.
Ms. Agrawal and Ms. Thakalath will be attending, and we are looking for one more artist to join them. The selected artist will have the honor of sharing their story and showcasing their art with the community. This will involve a 5-minute storytelling session on stage, where you can talk about your artistic journey and the significance of your work. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to set up a table to display your Madhubani paintings, conduct demonstrations, and engage participants with hands-on activities.
Please note that this event is on a school day, so you would need to miss school to participate. We are seeking a dedicated artist who has completed the Ganesha project to join us.
Date & Time : June 4, 2024 | 11:00pm - 3pm
Location : Labor and Industries HQ in Tumwater, WA.
You are welcome to sign up with Ms. Nikita Thakalath (text only: 425-894-5984). Volunteer hours will qualify for PVSA.
MANDATORY PROGRAM!
KCLS - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Traditional Arts
Deepti Designs is partnering with King County Library System for a FREE interactive presentation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in traditional arts. This interactive workshop would be presented by our artists Anvika Bheemarasetty, Srinidhi Kodemala and Rama Panchap under the guidance of Adult mentor Annapoorni Panchap who is Engineering Program Manager at Apple Inc.
This workshop explores the fusion of traditional Madhubani Painting with modern AI technology. Madhubani art, steeped in Indian mythological anecdotes, often lacks direct visual representations of these narratives making it difficult to relate with them. To address this, the workshop introduces the use of AI to generate visual cues inspired by these anecdotes. Participants will witness the generation of visual hints from simple prompts, which then serve as an inspiration for them to play with.
Event Details:
Date & Time : June 8, 2024 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm (PDT)
Location : KCLS, Bothell Library
Registration is a must. We encourage bringing your own devices for interactive games and to practice generative AI. A limited number of library laptops will be available.
Speak-Tank : Public Speaking Summer Camp
Are you ready to conquer your fear of public speaking and unleash your full potential? The Creative Voices convenor, Ananya Vaidyaraman and TEDx Speaker Nikhita Penugonda are putting together a well thought-through half-day summer camp under the supervision of Ms. Agrawal.
In this course, participants will learn the secrets to planning and delivering captivating speeches, gaining invaluable insights into critical thinking, creative writing, and efficient research.
Ananya and Nikhita will share their expertise in collaborative debate and discussion, helping participants navigate tricky questions and conflicts like a pro. Whether addressing a large audience or a small group of friends, this course will equip you with the skills you need to speak with confidence and conviction.
Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your full potential and become an effective public speaker. Registration is now open for the weekly half-day summer camp. Secure your spot today and get ready to conquer the stage!
Kathith Events
Design Principles of Indian Sculpture with Shri Ganesh Bhat
Join us for a FREE enlightening session where Shri. Ganesh Bhat, a revered figure in the Shilpa Shastra realm, will unravel the secrets behind the language of temple sculpting. His exquisite idols, crafted in the Hoysala style, are known to showcase unparalleled mastery in carving.
In this session, prepare to be captivated as Shri. Bhat delves into the profound concepts that form the foundation of Indian temples and idols. From ancient units of measurements to intricate symbolisms, iconography and their deeper meanings, he’ll provide invaluable insights into this rich heritage.
Mysuru Art Workshop
Mysuru Painting is characterized by its finely detailed brushwork, intricate patterns, and use of rich colors, including real 24 ct gold leaf embellishments.
Upcoming in July, Kathith’s next workshop will be of Mysuru art!
Named after the South Indian city of Mysore, this art form is known for its “elegance, muted colors, and attention to detail…from royal courts to temple adornments, they reflect centuries of cultural heritage and artistic finesse.”
The workshop will run over the course of four days from July 27th to August 4th and will be taught by acclaimed artists Mr. Shashank Bharadwaj, who was actually born into a family of musicians and first encountered Mysuru paintings only 12 years ago. He has been given various awards and has had his work displayed at the Mysore Dsarna Art Expo, Art House Bangalore, Chitrasanthe Bangalore, and the World Art Expo in Dubai. Register for the workshop soon to not miss a chance to learn and practice this historically-rich art form!
Event Details:
Date & Time : July 27, 28, Aug 3,4 2024 | All Day
Location : Zoom
A traditional supply kit will be shipped to the registrants. Registration will close as soon as the available kits are claimed.
This particular workshop is for USA residents only.
Ages 12 and over are recommended. Younger enthusiasts could accompany a participating adult.
Renowned Artist Mr. Ram Soni Concludes Sanjhi Workshop, Celebrating Traditional Stenciling Craft
Esteemed artist Mr. Ram Soni recently concluded a captivating Sanjhi workshop, leaving participants inspired by the beauty and intricacy of this traditional art form. The workshop, which commenced on April 20th and concluded on the 28th, saw participants create stunning stencils through the intricate art of paper cutting.
Sanjhi, originating in the 16th and 17th centuries from Krishna’s hometown, holds deep spiritual significance, transcending mere aesthetics, as highlighted by Kathith on Instagram. This traditional stenciling craft was historically used to adorn temple walls and continues to be cherished today in rangoli designs, often featuring floral and geometric patterns.
As a master of Sanjhi art with over 30 years of experience, Mr. Soni comes from a lineage of esteemed Sanjhi masters. His expertise and dedication to the craft have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Award, UNESCO award, and the Shilp Shiromani award, among others.
As the workshop concluded, attendees left with newfound appreciation and inspiration, eager to explore further avenues of artistic expression.
Stay tuned for future workshops and artistic endeavors by following Kathith.
Tanjore Style Painting Workshop
Kathith's recent Tanjore-style painting workshop, led by acclaimed teaching artist Ms. Vishnuprabha NC, concluded on May 19th. Participants were guided through the classical South Indian art form, learning techniques such as drawing from scratch, color blocking, and adding fine details.
Ms. Vishnuprabha, known for her self-taught expertise and passion for combining different mediums, shared her artistic philosophy: "With every stroke, I aim to transfer the joy of painting and depth of emotion to my audience." The workshop focused on painting "Bala Tripura Sundari," a deity depicted in Tanjore style.
Attendees left with completed artworks and a deeper appreciation for Tanjore-style painting's cultural significance. Stay tuned for future workshops and artistic endeavors by following Kathith on social media.
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Please email your colored sheets to newsletter.thebeacon.dd@gmail.com for a chance to get featured in next month's newsletter.
