Catch them Young - Unearthing Creativity, One Child at a Time

A Sunday Well Spent!

This past Sunday, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the Learning Expeditions Exhibition organized by ArtSparks Foundation at Vismaya Art Gallery, Rangoli Metro Art Center, Bengaluru. It was a deeply enriching and heartwarming experience that left us in awe of the immense creative talent hidden within young children from government schools.

About ArtSparks Foundation

ArtSparks Foundation, led by Nisha Nair and her dedicated team, has been a beacon of creativity, nurturing artistic expression among children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Through structured programs in visual art and design, they foster 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence-building. What makes their work even more remarkable is their dual focus – empowering educators and facilitators alongside the students, ensuring long-term impact.

The Exhibition – A Showcase of Raw Talent & Creativity

Walking through the exhibition, we were astounded by the range of artistic expressions these young minds had explored. The artworks on display were nothing short of extraordinary – from origami, clay works, watercolor and tempera paintings, mud paintings, pastel colors, oil paintings, paper crafts, and stitch works, the creativity knew no bounds.

The level of confidence, enthusiasm, and sheer passion these children exhibited while presenting their works to visitors was truly inspiring. Each child spoke about their creative journey with a spark in their eyes, reinforcing the impact of ArtSparks' structured approach in honing their artistic abilities and self-expression.

The spirit behind the Foundation

Nisha Nair is an educator, educator researcher, and designer who is committed to elevating the position of art and design as mediums for pedagogy and transformation, both individual and social. Her nearly two decade tenure in education, both in the U.S and India, has involved advancing the role of visual art and design in developing the whole child, building more learning and life skills, and investing in the transformative development of teachers. It is these experiences and passions that led her to start ArtSparks Foundation. Nisha has taught courses in art and community engagement at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is also the author of Art Sparks: Ideas, Methods, Process published by Tara Books. Prior to education, Nisha spent a few years as a multi-award winning designer meeting the branding and design needs of diverse clients from the Smithsonian Institutions, to NASA, and more.

The Role of Facilitators – True Role Models

A special mention must go to the facilitators and teachers, who played a crucial role in guiding, mentoring, and shaping these young artists. Their dedication and encouragement were evident in every piece of artwork displayed. It was heartening to see how these mentors have transformed learning into an engaging, joyful, and creative process, instilling a sense of confidence and ownership in the children.

A big salute to Nisha and her team at ArtSparks Foundation for their yeomen service in "Catching them Young" and nurturing the creative minds of tomorrow. Their work is not just about art – it’s about empowering young minds, building confidence, and ultimately shaping the future of our nation.

Special Thanks & Acknowledgment

I must extend my sincere thanks to my good friend and mentor, RR Nair, former Vice President HR of Unilever Group and a renowned Executive Coach and Consultant, who graciously invited me to this wonderful exhibition. It was an honor to witness firsthand the incredible impact that his daughter, Nisha Nair, and her team are making through ArtSparks Foundation.

His unwavering belief in the power of creativity, learning, and mentorship is truly inspiring, and I deeply appreciate his role in shaping not just leaders, but also change-makers like Nisha.

Gratitude & Appreciation

Thank you, ArtSparks Foundation, for making a difference, for giving these children a voice through art, and for proving that talent knows no boundaries. Keep up the fantastic work!

A Memorable Sunday with a Renewed Purpose

As we left the exhibition, we carried with us not just memories but a renewed commitment to contribute to this noble initiative. The experience reaffirmed the belief that every child is born creative – all they need is the right platform, encouragement, and guidance to unleash their potential.

Looking forward to finding ways to support and scale up this initiative, and I urge everyone who believes in the power of creativity in education to come forward and contribute in any way possible.

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Global HR Community RR Nair Sreekanth K Arimanithaya Nathan SV SparkArts Foundation