Art for Akanksha aims at developing observation, perception and creative potential through an art curriculum that includes the basics of drawing, painting, traditional Indian art forms and craft activities. At Art Class, groups of Akanksha children meet in a fun and laughter-filled environment to produce artwork for handmade greeting cards, bags, paintings, and other items. Mothers from the community turn the artwork into finished products. The Akanksha Art Workshop The next step for older art children was The Akanksha Art workshop… The Idea is simple. To use existing space to bring together less privileged and privileged children through art in a way by which each learns and grows. Along the way we hope to empower our alumni, spread awareness about Akanksha and fill a gap within the city for truly creative outlets for children. We are running week long batches of 20 - 25 children during vacations. The workshop modules range from 'Me' (activities that will help a child discover himself) to 'My City' (around the environment and all that we as individuals can do) to 'Indian Art' (which centres around folk art like Ghond, Tanjore, Madhubani, etc) to 'Great Artists' (which cover Van Gogh, Dali, Picasso, Turner, Monet)…each activity designed keeping the child as the centre and art as the medium to explain a value. To find out more look at the events section and email us if you'd like to be kept informed

Meet Raju, an Art Class student. 

“I feel I am in heaven when I am with my colors. I can create my own world and have control over it” - Raju, 14
 
Raju Madhes Devendra, 14, is in class 8 at the L.K Waghji Secondary School. He has been with Akanksha for four years.

Raju comes from Mariamma Nagar. He lives with his parents, 5 siblings and cousin. His father is a security guard.

Says Raju, “When I was in the 6th standard, I did not like studying. I never understood why it was so important. I thought all this will never help me. But after joining Akanksha, I know it is important to know English, and to study. I want to be someone in life and for that I have to study. This is how I have changed”.

Raju has attended computer class, drama class, taken part in "Once upon a time in Shantipur" but his big love is art. Raju has attended art class for three years, and now is in the design class. Seeing his talent, Sheetal Didi encouraged him to pursue art. He was part of the team that created the colorful sets of 'Kabir and the Rangeen Kurta'. He goes to a special art class and gave his intermediate art exam. Sam Sir, his art teacher says that amongst all his kids, Raju is the best. He made us all by getting an 'A' grade in the exam… a rare thing according to Sam Sir.

Raju says, “Art has helped me find what is inside me. I have a gift and I want to develop it. Art helps me express myself. I feel I am in heaven when I am with my colours. I can create my own world and have control over it”.

Raju wants to be an artist when he grows up and sell his paintings. Raju says, “My future plans are to become an artist and then give back to Akanksha what it has taught me”.