The Creator of Old Woman’s Shoe

 

In an Art Exhibition on October 26, 2024, Dr. Ratna Rao, Rekha Bayankar, and their collaborative team, showcased an engaging exhibition and conducted workshop of various art forms in the Samantik hall at the Secunderabad Club, 220 Picket, Secunderabad. The focus of this initiative was the amalgamation of different artistic expression and to educate the attendees on the therapeutic benefits of art in managing stress and enhancing mental wellbeing.

The event also fostered a sense of community camaraderie among participants, encouraging collaboration and connection. This event was not just an exhibition; it was a celebration of creativity and a collective step towards better mental health through the power of art. The exhibition provided the visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of different art forms and motivate them to come up with their own interpretation and expression of the art work they viewed.

Ms Rekha Bayankar displayed her Eggshell mosaic, Malaysian batik, Coconutshell miniature- garden, Butterfly wing collage, River pebble artwork etc.

Dr Ratna Rao exhibited a number of art forms like Crochet, Towel cement pots, Tatting, Rope Art, Punch needle, Armenian needle art and many more.

Ranjini Rao put up her miniature Dish Gardens and Terranium

Ratnamala Nori set out her Assorted puppets

Shymola Khanna displayed her paintings (water colours and other medium)

Pimi Mukerjee showed her Wool Knitted articles

Jumee Bora displayed her Mandala artwork

Renuka Maduri exhibited her Belgian Hardanger embroidery

 The exhibition was a great success and many visitors showed interest in learning the art forms.  In our mundane day to day life, it is essential to cultivate an art form that can be of use to balance activities in daily life and keep us occupied especially for homemakers. This can significantly reduce their stress level and enhance overall well-being.

Ms Bayankar asserts “any art form could be a source of stress buster”. She also concurs that when we engage in the process of creating art, normally the entire focus is on the process and invariably, the stress factor ceases to exist.

Dr Rao, however, believes that “Besides being a stress buster, any form of art, if excelled, can also become a source of earning”. In this day and age, when prices of anything and everything is sky rocketing, it could be an advantage for home makers to acquire some skill that they could use to generate income.