Kaavi art capable of receiving GI tag: official

Rajeshwari, Assistant Director with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), on Sunday hoped that the distinct Kaavi art will soon receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

She was speaking at the valedictory of a 25-day design development workshop focusing on the endangered Kaavi art tradition at Bhaasa Gallery and Studio, Havanje in Udupi district. The workshop was organised with the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Culture and under the leadership of the Potters Cottage Industrial Cooperative Society, Puttur.

Ms. Rajeshwari said, “It is heartening to see the endangered Kaavi art being developed as a distinct sector in the coastal region, particularly in Havanje of Udupi district.”

Havanje Gram Panchayat president Asha Poojary said she was happy with the workshop. “Kaavi artist Janardhan Havanje is the pride of our region. If more local artisans actively engage with this art form, it will also contribute to the cultural and economic development of our village,“ she said.

Visitors go through Kaavi art depiction on various media at the valedictory of 25-day design development workshop focusing on the endangered Kaavi art tradition on Sunday, December 14, at Havanje in Udupi district.
| Photo Credit:
UMESH S SHETTIGAR

During the workshop, Kaavi art designs were developed across a wide range of media, including handcrafted souvenirs, terracotta pots with diverse designs, clay-based utility products, garments, cushion covers, tea coasters, gift boxes, and various everyday utility objects made of wood.

Application filed

“An application for a GI tag for Kaavi art from the Udupi region has already been submitted and there is strong hope that it will be granted jointly to Goa and the coastal Karnataka region,“ explained Janardhan Havanje, Kaavi artist and resource person for the workshop.

Senior designer from Delhi, Brijesh Jaiswal, contributed to the growth and refinement of the participating artists’ design practices during the workshop. On this occasion, certificates were distributed to the artists who took part in the programme.

A participant receives participation certificate at the valedictory of 25-day design development workshop focusing on the endangered Kaavi art tradition on Sunday, December 14, at Havanje in Udupi district.
| Photo Credit:
UMESH S. SHETTIGAR

Janardhan Moolya, Chief Executive Officer of the Potters Cottage Industrial Cooperative Society, directors Ganesh Kulal and Sheshappa Kulal, and Manjunath Rao of Kaavi Art Foundation were present.