The third edition of Canvas hosted by Babaji Vidhyashram in Sholinganallur makes it a point to encourage and promote budding artists. They also believe in giving them a much-needed push in their career. What started off as a painting competition for over 1200 students has now become a platform to showcase one’s artistic talents.
With every growing year, the number of students, who are taking part in the competition is gradually increasing. For this edition, around 2000 students have registered to take part in the competition that is split into five categories. Josephine Donald, the organiser of this event says, “We believe in the fact the artists across the country should have a platform to display their creativity. And that is what we are giving them this year. For the past two years, we have been conducting only painting competitions. But, this year, we are providing 35 stalls where artists from Chennai can display their products and sell their work as well. Since it is a noble idea, we are providing the stalls free of cost.” There is no restriction to the genres and one can find watercolours, pencil sketches, charcoal, metal art, etc.
Coming to the painting competition, the topics given to the children range from vision for new India to friendship to a favourite place on earth and culture. “Sandhya Gopinath and Jacob Jebaraj would be judging the students and we would be having our prize distribution the same day with Mrs. Teju Menon presiding over the ceremony.”
Speaking about their motto, Josephine asserts, “Canvas is a major encouragement for upcoming artists. We aim at nurturing a holistic child who can experience every aspect of life without limiting themselves to academics. It is important for a child to know that there are several interesting stuffs beyond academics.”
(Canvas will take place on October 2 in Sholinganallur)
