INTACH conducts face painting and mask making workshop for students of government schools

The Mangaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Service and the INTACH Heritage Club of Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, organised a workshop on traditional mask-making and face painting for schoolchildren from the Manchi-Kolnadu cluster recently at Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, Bantwal taluk.

Addressing students, INTACH Mangaluru convener Subhash Chandra Basu said there is a responsibility to preserve the traditional arts and cultural heritage of the region. “If students develop an interest in these traditions from a young age, it will contribute to preserving our history and heritage,” he observed.

Artist Rajendra Kedige said mask-making and face painting not only develop artistic skills among students but also nurture creativity and personality. “When children grow up with an appreciation of art, they develop a deeper awareness and sensitivity towards it,” he said.

Artist Harish Kodialbail demonstrating face painting to students at a workshop at the Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu.
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Resource person and artist Harish Kodialbail conducted a practical demonstration on mask-making and introduced students to the process of creating facial moulds using plaster of Paris and cloth. Around 60 students from different schools participated in the workshop and worked in groups to create their own masks.

Artist Reshma Shetty briefing students about face painting at a workshop at the Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu.
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Another resource person and artist Reshma Shetty briefed students on face painting process, preparation and use of natural colours. Students learned how colours could be prepared using naturally available materials and experimented with different shades and patterns. They then painted their masks using colour schemes inspired by various Yakshagana characters, turning the creative exercise into an engaging hands-on experience.

Artists Harish Kodialbail and Reshma Shetty conducting a workshop at the Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The workshop explored the relationship between mask-making and the living traditions of Tulunadu, where face painting has an important place in Bhoota Kola and Yakshagana. Through hands-on activities, students were introduced to how colour, form and pattern can help communicate character, identity and cultural meaning.

Students from Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu; Noojibailu Aided School; Monthimaru School; Ira Primary School and Puddottu School participated in the workshop. Certificates were presented to all participants.