Organized by A Hundred Hands, the show will present crafts from across the country
Organized by A Hundred Hands, the show will present crafts from across the country
Artisans and craftsmen from across the country have registered with the Hundred Hands Artisan Membership Program. There is an exhibition and sale going on. “This year, the exhibition will introduce new members to the people of Bengaluru,” says Mala Dhawan, who co-founded A Hundred Hands with her sister, Dr. Sonia Dhawan.
“We were always inclined towards hand made goods and we just kept roaming the area. That’s when we realized that people who make their living from it need proper support, exposure and right platform to showcase their products. We do a commission-free program, so the money goes back 100% to the creators. ,
This year there will be traditional crafts like Pichwai, Thangka and Pattachitra as well as crafts like Sino Printing. “This year we have over 40 new artisans who are showcasing their craft here,” says Mala.
“From this year onwards, we will have more than an annual show across the country as we have received an overwhelming response from artisans across the country for our membership program, so we will have 40 new crafts for each show. This year we will have one Award-winning gem stone carving artist and sixth generation artist from West Bengal, carrying forward the tradition of Solapith. We also have one person who works with the Lambani group to make saris and embroidery,” Garland shares.
Apart from this, he says that he will also have a collection of jeans and t-shirts using recycled products. A word of praise for the patrons of the rosary. “Over the years Bangaloreans have supported our vision and our craftsmen. They come back year after year to appreciate the craft and also interact with the artisans, which is wonderful.
Mala says the lockdown has increased the demand for handicrafts as the pandemic has forced us to slow down. “What was treated as a hobby in the past has become an obsession for some, who invested their energy in the craft during the pandemic. This year, we have a lot of young people who have quit their jobs and taken the handmade route. They are also a part of the show here.”
The Handcrafted Collective by A Hundred Hands—the summer edition—begins May 18 and continues until May 22 at the Woodlands Hotel from 10.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.