Two-day art street begins in Coimbatore with a diverse collection of artworks

Children engaged in a pottery workshop at Art Street, organized as part of Coimbatore Vizha, in Coimbatore city on Saturday. , Photo Credit: Siva SaravananS

A two-day art exhibition — Art Street or “Oviya Sandhai” — featuring works of more than 100 artists from different parts of the country, began in Coimbatore on Saturday as part of Coimbatore Vizha.

The event was inaugurated by District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, who also distributed prizes to the winners of a drawing competition held for government school students.

This year's theme, 'Sustain to Retain – SuRe,' focuses on the environmental impact of plastic's long-lasting presence. The exhibit features sculptures made from plastic bottles, including elephants, trees, taps, and oceans, highlighting the harmful effects of plastic pollution. P. Ashwin Kumar, head of Art Street, said the theme raises awareness about plastic's damaging impact and motivates everyone to use plastics responsibly.

An addition this year is a series of workshops for children, offering them hands-on training in pottery, art and craft, and painting.

“Art Street at Coimbatore Vizha provides a platform for local artists, helping many to start their careers in the art field. The event has a broad scope, welcoming all kinds of artwork, not just paintings,” said S. Sujeeth, a coconut shell artist.

Additionally, nearly 300 artworks by children with autism were displayed, celebrating their creativity. K. Sangeetha, a teacher for children with autism, said, “They dedicate themselves to a task until it is perfected. Despite the challenges, such as fine motor skills and attention to detail, they approach painting with exceptional focus.”

M. Pavithra, an art enthusiast, said, “The number of artworks has increased this year, with the addition of sand art, clay sculptures, and mixed-media installations, further diversifying the event.”