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7-day Workshop on Kerala Mural Painting-Bangalore

15 – 21 May 2023
Venue: Rangoli Metro Art Center, MG Road, Bangalore

Here is our 7 Day Workshop on Kerala Mural Painting. Learn the ancient way of meditating with lines and colours the authentic way. INR 11,500 including material. (Early bird seats sold out. However, we have buddy discount. Click here to know more) This is a rare opportunity to get trained under an authentic and established artist from Kerala. Kerala Mural Institute, Guruvayoor is the only such institute established for the revival of this art form in Kerala. The mentor artist, Mr. Satheesh Thayat is a student of this prestigious institute. You don’t have to be an artist. If you are interested in heritage art forms, ready to dedicate your time and be patience with yourself and others, this workshop is for you! Read on!

Who can Participate?

Are you keen on heritage, arts, or both?
Are you patient enough to follow instructions?
Are you excited about learning something cool?
Then you are our participant!
You don’t have to be an artist.  In our previous workshops, we had software engineers, air hostesses, architecture students, HR heads, homemakers, and bakers. You have never touched a painting brush before? We had many of you too in our workshops. If you still have doubts about your ability to draw, talk to us! We can tell you a few secret skills you have! 

Gautham and Anuradha first at the sitting row along with participants from a workshop in Bangalore – 2016



What is the canvas size I take home?

This workshop is not about completing one painting. Our offering is not to make you an expert mural artist in one week. We will be introducing you to various elements from the vast ocean of Kerala Mural Painting. Each element will be explained with usage, meaning, and placement. Your final piece depends upon your level of interest, dedication, and patience. The mentor artist will suggest the final painting that you will be able to complete in the given time. The important point is that it will be authentic and it will be YOUR’S. No tracing and no colouring without knowing what is what. You will know every line and colour, and why it is there. For those who are interested to pursue this in-depth, follow-up classes are available in Kerala at the mentor’s studio.

What is Kerala Mural Art? (For the newcomers)

Kerala Mural Painting is a heritage art form for storytelling. The artist takes a shloka, a poem, or a story situation and translates the gist into lines and shapes onto the wall or a canvas.  In our 7-day workshop, we invite you to interact firsthand with this art form and get an in-depth experience. Kerala Mural Art is considered to be a way of meditating with lines and colours. Irrespective of your background,  it will be helpful for you in more than one way.

What will be the structure of the workshop?

It is a full-day workshop. We will start every day at 9AM and wind up by 4PM. So please come prepared. As you know, there are no tracing and shortcuts in our workshops. However, with dedication and patience, you will surprise yourself with what you can actually achieve.

The sessions consist of the following:

    • Understanding the elements used in a Kerala Mural Painting.

    • Drawing them with a pencil and then with a brush.

    • Learning the colouring sequence and the rationale behind the same.

    • Discovering the shading techniques. 

    • Exploring the history and context of this art form.

    • Knowing how to use the elements in today’s context without compromising authenticity.

    • Measurements

    • Postures

    • Ornaments

    • Patterns and more…

Highlights:

    • Hands-on training in drawing and painting, the mural way under a seasoned artist

    • Explaining the Dhyana Shlokas

    • All  materials provided

    • Take home a finished piece of work that you made with your own hands!

    • No comparison or competition

    • Learn a new way of meditation that can be done by anyone!

What is the fee?

The regular fee, including the materials, is INR 11, 500.

Discounts:

    • Early bird rate – INR 9,900 Only 3 seats. Register before April 15th to get this discount. (Sold Out)

    • Buddy discount – you can enjoy a discount of INR 500 off on the regular price when you sign up with a friend!

Registration:

You can pay 3500 now and register your seat. The balance should be paid on or before 10 May.

You also have the option of paying the total amount now itself. We accept Google Pay / Phone Pay / UPI.

Who is the Mentor Artist

Shree. Satheesh Thayat is the menotr artist for this workshop. He has a National Diploma in Fine Arts from Kerala Mural Painting Institute, Guruvayoor. After five years of art studies, he landed a job as an art teacher. Since then, Satheesh’s life has revolved around Kerala Mural painting. Supported by his family, he has built an art gallery at home.

Satheesh now takes classes at home under the name of Devayanam School of Mural Painting. His house has been transformed into a place where students can study and appreciate Kerala Mural Art.

He has associated with institutes like Pookkadu Kalalayam and organisations like OISCA International to promote and teach Kerala Mural Painting.

Where is the venue?

Rangoli Metro Art Center, MG Road, Bangalore.

How to register

    1. Pay the registration fee by scanning the QR code or using the UPI IDs provided.

    1. Fill out the registration form and include the payment reference number or screenshot

    1. Check your email for confirmation. (Do not forget to check your spam folder too, if you don’t find it in your inbox!)

Go ahead, and register now!

Step 1

UPI ID: 9447114482 @ ybl

Step 2

Cancellation and refund

Nobody wants to cancel! But rarely it happens. We want you to know what are the charges for cancellation.

Cancellation up to Refund amount
8 May 2023 80% of the registration fee paid
10 May 2023 50% of the registration fee paid
Registration fee of INR 3500 will not be refunded from 11th May  

In case we have to cancel the event due to the Covid outbreak or such, please don’t worry, you will get a full refund.

Questions? WhatsApp 8156895207

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Kalamezhuthu (Powder Painting) workshop in Goa

We are not taking any registrations for this workshop now. Contact 8156895207 if you want to join in a future workshop.


For the first time in Goa, Sarang Cultural Ventures brings you a Kalamezhuthu (powder painting) workshop. This is a good wrist exercise beneficial for photographers, IT people, miniature architects and all those who wish a steady hand. Day one for children and day two for adults. The fee is 2000 including materials. Refreshments are included for the children. Limited seats.

Kalamezhuthu is a ritualistic art form of Kerala practised in temples and sacred groves, where the representation of deities like Kali and Lord Ayyappa are made on the floor using natural powders. Traditionally, Kalamezhuthu is accompanied by pooja, Kalapradakshinam (dance movements by the Velichapad), Kalampaattu (songs praising the Gods backed by traditional musical instruments) and other vibrant rituals.

The workshop is designed primarily to focus on the art form and its vibrant natural colours, tying it alongside its threads of tradition and culture. All the colours used are 100% natural.  Apart from giving your practical lessons on turning your hands into a dynamic brush, the process behind the natural colours are also demonstrated. Please do not miss this golden opportunity to know this heritage art form closely! 

When:
For children: Januray 14, 10AM to 4PM – The fee includes all art materials and lunch
For adults: Januray 15, 10AM to 4PM – The fee includes all art materials. Order your lunch or refreshments at the restaurant. 

Where: 
Edible Archives, Anjuna-Mapusa Road, Near St Michael’s Church, Anjuna, Goa

Programme:
  • Introduction to the Art Form
  • Mentor Artist starts on the main Kalam
  • Getting your hands dirty:
    Participants practise designs using elements from the main Kalam
  • Lunch break
  • Preparation of the natural colours
  • Story time: Journey with the artists through the stories behind the Kalams, traditional and cultural connect
  • Conclusion
 

Who can participate?
On 14th January, children from the age of 7 and above. If your child is younger but can sit through the session without disturbing others or the session, she/he is most welcome, age is not an issue.   

On 15th January, anyone interested in heritage, culture and art are welcome. There are no pre-qualifications and no requirements of any prior experience in any art form. You would enjoy the workshop if you are:

  • Interested in visual arts
  • Interested in culture and tradition
  • Interested in watching the beautiful Kalam unfold
  • Healthy enough to sit on the floor and draw mostly through the day (of course you can take breaks and walk around) 🙂

This is a good wrist exercise beneficial for photographers, IT people, miniature architects and all those who wish a steady hand.

As in all our workshops, it is not about finishing lessons, but understanding the details and finding happiness in a traditional art form. Patience and an open-minded approach to a new subject are appreciated.

What will you take away?

  • An enriching experience to interact, know and practise the art form with one of the few existing artists of Kalamezhuthu
  • A day spent well, in relaxation, with 100% natural colours, culture and happiness
  • The skill to  use your hands as a dynamic brush (This is really exciting!)

The Number of seats: 
14 January – Children: 20 seats
15 January – Adults: 20 seats

To gift every participant a personal and enriching experience, we are limiting the group size to 20. 

We are not taking any registrations for this workshop now. Contact 8156895207 if you want to join in a future workshop.

Questions? WhatsApp: 8156895207

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Kerala Mural Painting workshop in association with Sutradhar, Hyderabad

We conducted a two-day workshop on Kerala Mural Painting in association with Sutradhar, a theatre group in Hyderabad. There were 9 participants. Among the participants were a lecturer, a 3D artist, a lawyer, and an HR Training manager. Two intense and exhausting days, but everyone was excited.

Some photos:

  • The Poem by Anuradha
  • Poem turning into a sketch
  • Shading the lotus
  • Finished the petals
  • Shading for the leaves
  • Alas, time is up. But since the technique is taught, these will be completed back home
  • Everyone!
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Kerala Mural Painting Workshop
 Hyderabad

September 26th – October 2nd

Nritya Forum for Performing Arts, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

You don’t have to be an artist! 7 Days Workshop on Kerala Mural Painting. Learn the ancient way of meditating with lines and colours. Two batches in morning and afternoon. INR 15,000 INR 11,000 including material. Early bird, student and group discounts are finished. WhatsApp 8156895207 to know more.

Registration closed for this workshop.

Hello Hyderabad, here is our first workshop on Kerala Mural Painting!

We have been getting a lot of enquiries from you after our workshops became popular in Bangalore. Due to various reasons, it took us this long to finally answer the demand. We are very much excited to finally announce it! Read on, spread the word and register today!

Who can Participate?

Are you keen about heritage, arts or both?
Are you patient enough to follow instructions?
Are you excited about learning something cool?
Then you are our participant!
You don’t have to be an artist.  In our previous workshops, we had software engineers, air hostesses, architecture students, HR heads, homemakers, and bakers. You have never touched a painting brush before? We had many of you too in our workshops. If you still have doubt about your ability to draw, talk to us! We can tell you a few secret skills you have! 

What is the canvas size I take home?

This workshop is not about completing one painting. Our offering is not to make you an expert mural artist in one week. We will be introducing you to various elements from the vast ocean of Kerala Mural Painting. Each element will be explained with usage, meaning, and placement. Your final piece depends upon your level of interest, dedication, and patience. It can be a face, it can be a pattern or it can be just one flower or ornament with shading in the background. The important point is that it will be authentic and it will be YOUR’S. No tracing and no colouring without knowing what is what. You will know every line and colour, and why it is there. For those who are interested to pursue this in-depth, we will have follow-up workshops in the future.

What is Kerala Mural Art? (For the newcomers)

Kerala Mural Painting is a heritage art form for storytelling. The artist takes a shloka, a poem or a story situation and translates the gist into lines and shapes onto the wall or a canvas.  In our 7 day workshop, we invite you to interact first hand with this art form and get an in-depth experience. Kerala Mural Art is considered to be a way of meditating with lines and colours. Irrespective of your background,  it will be helpful for you in more than one way.

What will be the structure of the workshop

Understanding the elements used in a Kerala Mural Painting. Drawing them with pencil and then with a brush. Learning the colouring sequence and the rationale behind the same. Discovering the shading techniques.  Exploring the history and context of this art form. Knowing how to use the elements in today’s context without compromising authenticity.

Participants from our previous workshop practicing.

Apart from the stories and theories, get your hands dirty by learning to draw and paint the traditional way of Kerala Mural Art!  After all, what is a better way to preserve this heritage for future generations?

What is the fee? (and the reduced fee)

The actual fee, including the materials and refreshments, is INR 15,000. However, we learned that there are people who find that not affordable. We don’t want anyone skipping our maiden workshop in Hyderabad just because of the fee. Thanks to a few sponsors who have agreed to help us in this situation, now we have 10 seats available for INR 11,000 at a discounted price.
The seats are limited, so it will be first come first serve basis. Please register as soon as possible if you need this reduced fee.

The registration fee of INR 5000 should be paid online or transferred to our account. The balance can be paid in cash at the venue or online according to your convenience. 

If you are interested in sponsoring, please get in touch with us. Together, let’s bring Kerala Mural Painting to more people. 🙂

Highlights:

  • Hands-on training on drawing and painting, the mural way
  • Explaining the Dhyana Shlokas
  • Slide shows on rare ancient paintings
  • All  materials provided
  • Take home a finished piece of work that you made with your own hands!
  • No comparison or competition
  • Learn a new way of meditation that can be done by anyone!

Who is the Mentor Artist

Shri. Suresh Muthukulam was trained under the legendary guru of Kerala Mural art, Sree Mammiyoor Krishnakutty at the Kerala Mural Institute Guruvayoor. Currently leading the Mural Department of Vastu Vidya Gurukulam, Aranmula, Kerala, his contemporary style too has seen the world. It is a privilege to train under such an established artist with a modern outlook.  Read more about him here.

There will be two batches: 8AM to 12PM and 2PM to 6 PM You can choose your batch according to your convenience. After the sessions, we expect you to practice at least 2 hours at home before the next session so that you get maximum out of the workshop.

Where is the venue?

Nritya Forum for Performing Arts, Behind Lumbini Jewel Mall, Banjara Hills Road #2, Hyderabad.  You can find it on Google maps and It has a parking space.  

Check out a promo video we made for our previous workshop in Bangalore.

How to register (Registration closed)

Fill the form below with the required details. Please make sure that all the information is correct.
Once you submit the form, you will be redirected to the payment page where you can pay the registration fee of INR 5000. This will be adjusted against the total fee. You can pay the balance online (We will send you another link) or pay at the venue.

Cancellation and refund

Nobody wants to cancel! But rarely it happens. We want you to know what are the charges for cancellation.

If you cancel by September 10th we will deduct the transaction charges levied by the payment gateway company and refund the balance. After 10th September, before 20th you will get a 30% refund of the registration fee. After 20th, sorry, there will be no refund. If you have doubts, please get in touch on WhatsApp.

Outstation participants, please get in touch with us, we might be able to offer you some discounts if you are booking through OYO.

Questions? WhatsApp 8156895207

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Kalamezhuthu (Powder Painting) workshop in Chennai

This summer, The Soul Window and Sarang Cultural Ventures bring you ‘Immerse’, a Kalamezhuthu (powder painting) workshop:
Kalamezhuthu is a ritualistic art form of Kerala practised in temples and sacred groves, where the representation of deities like Kali and Lord Ayyappa are made on the floor using natural powders. Traditionally, Kalamezhuthu is accompanied by pooja, Kalapradakshinam (dance movements by the Velichapad), Kalampaattu (songs praising the Gods backed by traditional musical instruments) and other vibrant rituals.

The workshop is designed primarily to focus on the art form and its meditative capacity, tying it alongside its threads of tradition and culture.

When: Sunday, 19th May, 2019 from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm 

Where: Spaces, Besant Nagar, Chennai 

Programme:

  • Introduction to the Art Form
  • Mentor
  • Artist works on the main Kalam
  • Getting your hands dirty:
    Participants practise designs using elements from the main Kalam
  • Lunch
  • Storytime:
    Journey with the artists through the stories behind the Kalams, traditional and cultural connect, preparation of the colours and more
  • Practice sessions continued
Who can participate?

Anyone. There are no pre-qualifications and no requirements of any prior experience in any art form. You would enjoy the workshop if you are:

  • Interested in visual arts
  • Interested in culture and tradition
  • Interested in watching the beautiful Kalam unfold
  • Healthy enough to sit on the floor and draw mostly through the day

This is a good wrist exercise beneficial for photographers, IT people, miniature architects and all those who wish a steady hand.

As in all our workshops, it is not about finishing lessons, but understanding the details and finding happiness in a traditional art form. Patience and an open-minded approach to a new subject is appreciated.

What will you take away?

  • An enriching experience to interact, know and practise the art form with one of the few existing artists of Kalamezhuthu
  • A day spent well, in relaxation, with colours, culture and happiness
  • The skill to meditatate with Kalams after a busy day at work

Number of seats: 20

To gift every participant a personal and enriching experience, we are limiting the group size to 20.

CONTACT DETAILS:

In case of doubts and queries, please contact Soul Window at +91-9790898264.

If interested in joining us for the workshop, please register with us. We will then get back to you with more details.

Register

 

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What’s new!

Are we limited to a village in Kerala ?
When we talk about Kerala culture, how much do we miss out being in one place?
After all, we too are travelers. We know how different Kerala is from South to North.

These thoughts were in the back of our minds all along. Finally we are taking a step towards realising the idea of exploring Kerala culture in different settings.

What if you can do all the activities we provide, but stay in a village (or suburbs if you prefer) of Kannur, Kozhikkode (Calicut), Waynad, Kollam (Quilon), Munnar, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) or another destination of your choice?
What if you can go to the beach, hill station or do a trekking in a forest on the weekends?
What if you can experience the hospitality of a different family every time?

Well, this is what we want to do from this year onward apart from running the existing cultural center.

So,  let us know your choice of:

1. subject(s)
2. destination
3. weekend activities (trekking, hill station, beach… you get the idea!) and
4. Duration of your stay

Together let us explore more possibilities!

Kindly use the form below to contact us!

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Explore

This is a region rich with traditions, heritage and history.  The contribution this region has made towards literature, arts and architecture is numerous.  We encourage you to travel around this district to know more about the people, customs, monuments and artists.  Except in the rainy months, there are many festivals happening around.