Inauguration of the 'Prathibimba' - Group art show at the Renaissance Art Gallery Bangalore on 9th May 2009

The five faces of the inaugural lamp was lit by the

- Guest of Honour: Maj Gen (Dr) Anju Manchanda, VSM C.A.O Vydehi Institute or Medical Sciences and Research Center. Lake Warden - Vibhuthipura Lake,

-M/s Shiela Devraj - Director APSA,

-an APSA school child,

-my fellow artist Mrs Sujata Tibrewala,

-and myself - Usha Shantharam! :) respectively.

M/s Shiela Devraj can be seen lighting the lamp, and Maj Gen Anju Manchanda is seen openiing her gift; which is a painting by Sujata Tibrewala.

Nine paintings that I had displayed at the Renaissance group show.

Guests at the art show

I wish to thank Sujata Tibrewala my fellow artist who had displayed her artworks at the show, and had worked tirelessely to make the 'Prathibimba' art show a reality. Thanks to her that I came to know of this wonderful organisation called the APSA - Association for Promoting Social Action which works for the upliftment of the urban poor.

An art workshop that she had conducted for the APSA children resulted in displaying the children's artworks along with ours, hence proving that ' Age no bar where fine-art is concerned'.

View of paintings displayed at the Renaissance Art Gallery'. Bangalore

Prize distribution

I was requested to distribute the prizes to the children who had taken part in the art workshop conducted by my friend and fellow aritst Sujata Tibrewala. Sujata (beside me) and M/s Shiela Devraj - Director APSA.

The APSA - ( association for promoting social action) Dream school children come from a deprived background like street children, rag pickers, newspaper boys, household servants, child labourors and generally children in distress. APSA gives them the education and opportunities that any normal child would have had at their age. The paintings were very expressive of their feelings.

I consider it an honour to display my paintings along with the paintings of these young children - especially because they come from special backgrounds.

Painting by Anand

Young Anand has seen many birds being killed in the Vibhuthipura Lake, and wants to save them. So he has painted a wounded bird being saved.

Painting by Ranjit

Ranjit has painted lovely white doves, because he wants to see more birds in his place

Paintings by APSA children

Painting by Manjunath

-Manjunath who has enjoyed the painting session, wants to teach what he has learned to others. So he has painted himself teaching painting to others.

Painting by Varalakshmi

Varalakshmi is a deaf and dumb girl who longs to live like a normal child. Here she has painted herself playing on the swing like a normal child.

Painting by Jansi

-Jhansi has gone through a very troubled childhood and firmly believes that the law will rescue those in need, just as she herself was rescued by APSA.

So she has painted a snake that represents the evil in this world, and which will bite; but will be saved because of an eagle who is the law.

Pleasant surprise from 'Andhra Jyothi' newspaper.

It was indeed a pleasant surprise to see a write-up on me and my exhibition on the Sunday Magazine booklet (back cover) of the famous Telugu newspaper - Andhra Jyothi. Here is a photo of it.

Review by 'Rajastan Patrika '(Hindi) , 'Bangalore Mirror' ( English) , and 'Eenaadu' (Telugu) newspapers.

Reviews by 'Bangalore Mirror, the Telugu daily ' Enaadu', and the 'Rajastan Patrika' - Bangalore edition can be seen here.

Reviews on our group show by 'The Indian Express' and The Times of India

Reviews by 'The Indian Express' and 'The Times of India' published about our exhibition on May 12th and May10th 2009 respectively.

The invitation

INVITATION to 'PRATHIBIMBA'' group art exhibition, showcased in aid of the revival of 14 acres of Vibhutipura lake. Bangalore. This art show will exhibit artworks done by the APSA DREAM SCHOOL children; artists SUJATA TIBREWALA and USHA SHANTHARAM. Venue: RENAISSANCE ART GALLERY 104, Westminster, 13, Cunningham Road Bamgalore - 560052. From 9th May to 13th May 2009 Timings 11 a.m to 7 p.m Sunday - 11 a.m to 3 p.m INAUGURATION By Chief Guest: Shri Nandiesh Reddy MLA Inauguration time: Saturday 9th May at 11 a.m. Guest of Honour: Maj Gen (Dr) Anju Manchanda VSM C.A.O Vydehi Institute or Medical Sciences and Research Center. Lake Warden - Vibhuthipura Lake. Host Dignitary: Ms Shiela Devraj - Director APSA ABOUT THE ARTISTS APSA Dream School children - (Association for Promoting Social Action) is a grass roots community development organization that provides children in distress - like street children and child laborers; with proper education and exposure; to bring about awareness in them. Prathibimba conducted an art workshop for these children to bring out their latent talent. The resultant paintings will be displayed at the show, and the proceeds of which will go to APSA. www.apsaindia.org Sujata Tibrewala - Her artworks reflect the deep understanding of myriad emotions and feelings drawn from her own experiences, which are beautifully depicted in her paintings. Ph 9845126951 www.pratibimba.info Usha Shantharam - She paints from contemporary real life, as she believes that it is the truest form of expression. Ph 9343796153, http://usettyblog.blogspot.com VIBHUTHIPURA LAKE A part of the proceeds of this event will be used for the ‘Utkarsh Residents Initiative’ .to reclaim the Vibuthipura Lake, which is home to rare migratory birds, but off late has been encroached upon and used as dumping ground for debris from construction sites. Incidentally, it is also in the vicinity of APSA premises. Please come with family and friends. From Usha Shantharam Ph: 9343796153 http://usettyblog.blogspot.com

email: usetty@gmail.com