A three-day Art extravaganza organised at Raja Rammohan Roy Academy

Raja Rammohan Roy Academy organised a three-day vibrant and enriching art workshop from 20^th May, 2024 to 22^nd May 2024. The workshop aimed to foster creativity, hone artistic skills, and inspire students to explore the boundless realms of visual expression and was led by Mr. Argha Kamal Ganguly, a seasoned artist with a wealth of experience in the field of fine arts. He has been working as an Artist and Art Educator at Cambridge School, Sriniwaspuri, New Delhi for two years and has worked at the National Gallery of Modern Art as an Assistant curator. Mr Ganguly is also a mentor to learners of all age groups who strive to explore drawing, painting, art history and design thinking.

Day 1: For students of classes VI-VIII

The day one of the workshop centered around students of classes VI-VIII and it commenced with an introductory session where Mr. Ganguly shared insights into his artistic journey and inspirations. He spoke at length on how art is a medium to communicate stories and experiences. Students were captivated as they learned about different art forms, from classical to contemporary. Practical sessions followed, allowing students to experiment with various techniques such as sketching, painting and mixed media. The students thoroughly enjoyed ‘learning with nature’ as they sat under the shade of the generation old trees of the school, observing the school campus in all its glory and under the incomparable guidance of their mentor for the day, they painted their beloved school building. The experience was rewarding and students appreciated every second of their rendezvous with art in the lap of nature.

Day 2: For Students of classes IX-XII

The second day of the workshop saw an enthusiastic participation by students of classes IX-XII. The day commenced with a Q and A session about famous artists and art forms, followed by a display of various portfolios and art forms from across India like Pattachitra, Bhil art, Kavad art among others. Mr Ganguly emphasised how art classes are important to not only build up the technical skill but also to see and approach life around nature more creatively and sensitively. During the Hands-on experience session, students experimented with different painting mediums, exploring colour theory and composition, and painted their idea of ‘a perfect chair’.  Throughout the workshop, Mr Ganguly provided constructive feedback and encouragement, empowering students to refine their skills and develop their unique artistic voices.

Day 3: Art integrated pedagogy

The third day of the workshop was specifically designed to enrich the artistic skills and pedagogical approaches of our esteemed faculty members. The workshop was attended by  the Manager of the school, Mrs. Indrani Lahiri, Mrs.Rupali Soni, Mrs Bharti Vishnoi, the Officiating Principal and the Headmistress, Mrs Tripti Chopra.

The workshop elicited enthusiastic participation from our dedicated faculty members, who embraced the opportunity to expand their artistic repertoire and enhance their teaching practices. Through hands-on activities and stimulating discussions, teachers gained newfound confidence in their ability to leverage art as a catalyst for student engagement and academic achievement. Furthermore, the workshop served as a catalyst for ongoing professional development, inspiring teachers to continue exploring innovative ways to integrate art into their classrooms and cultivate a culture of creativity and inquiry.

The three-day art workshop conducted by Mr Ganguly was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all participants. Through expert guidance and hands-on experience, students not only honed their artistic skills but also gained confidence in expressing themselves creatively. The workshop served as a catalyst for inspiration and self-discovery, instilling a lifelong appreciation for the arts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SAE, Mr. Ganguly and Cambridge School, Sriniwaspuri for their invaluable contribution and look forward to future collaborations that continue to enrich the artistic journey of our students and faculty members.

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