A passionate artist without working on a canvas may feel incomplete; that happened with Minisha Bhardwaj when she injured her finger and could not create on the canvas for months. “I have been feeling a disconnect with myself without my brush and paints, and then the 15 Days Art Challenge idea flashed upon me. Honestly, when I announced it on social media, I wasn’t sure about the response, and to my surprise, people caught on the initiative.”
Entries for the art challenge came from across the country, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Revari, Jammu, and places in Assam and Kashmir, apart from Delhi NCR. “Many people joined the art challenge, but only 25 of them could continue for the entire period of 15 days.” The artist gave a different word prompt every morning for 15 days, and the participants had to submit their work by EOD, making an artwork based on that day’s prompt. Prompts varied- Floral, Birds, Portrait, Celebrations, Vintage, Music, Favourite Song and more. “The excitement caught on greatly after the fourth day into the contest. Participants from various age groups and regions connected on the Misha Art platform and motivated each other. Art unites!” Said Minisha getting visibly emotional.
When Minisha founder of Misha Art curated the 15 Days Art Challenge, she wasn’t thinking about the final event. As the engagement increased, sponsors joined hands to support it. It was a bouquet of eminent artists, children and community support.
There was a lot of excitement among the art enthusiasts, and the event got a lot of community support. The best 25 entries got selected as prize winners. The participants and artists were invited over for a culminating event at Imli, a popular restaurant by the restaurateur Varun Puri. Parul Kaushal, founder of Panache Image Consulting and certified grooming, styling and etiquette coach, gave an empowering talk at the event. The special guest of the evening present was Vineeta Jerath Grover, Co-founder and editor of SUBURB, www.suburblive.in. She promotes and works for the cause of children with special needs and people with neuro-diversities through different forums, programmes and community work.
Deepak Narang, the co-founder at Aaramgarh, supported the culminating event. The other art show sponsors included Elite Stationery, House of Tara, BornFlash, Astitva, Little Musketeers.com, The Avu Candles, Healthy Bakers by Sonica Singh, Mini Mason by Kanika Singh, Truffle Tangles by Ila Prakash and The Wedding Mantar. “All this wouldn’t have been successful without the community’s support,” she added.
“There were the most exciting days of my life as an artist. With a new challenge, one had to push self a little more every day and submit the painting by the evening,” shared Aanya Vohra. Anshul Batra, the mom of Ansh Batra, a special needs person, was pleased with the opportunity. “There was something to look forward creatively for my son. More art platforms for the special needs will help build an inclusive society,” said Anshul.
About the artist
Minisha Bhardwaj, an internationally awarded artist, art mentor and motivational speaker, moved to Gurugram from Dubai a few years ago. “I was very sceptical and hesitant of the new ways of life in an absolutely a new city. There was eavesdropping about the city and its culture. Settling down in the city and meeting people around changed my perception; communities here were warm and supportive and different groups. I started pursuing my passion again, participated in painting expositions, and put up my work in galleries. The response was overwhelming. I love handholding young artists. That’s what gives me immense fulfilment,” she said.
