The beginning of January became special for art lovers in Chandigarh as a three-day Art and Craft Exhibition held at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16, brought together contemporary art, social consciousness and creative experimentation on a common platform. Organised by Kala Fusion in collaboration with Social Substance, the exhibition ran until January 11 and filled the city with vibrant colors of art throughout its duration.
More than 50 established and emerging artists participated in the exhibition, offering visitors a rich and multidimensional visual experience through their works. Alongside acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings, the display featured digital art, mini canvases, alcohol ink art, sculptures and resin art, reflecting modern artistic sensibilities. Traditional and folk art forms such as crochet, Lippan art, mandala art, painted stones, bottles and planters presented tradition in a fresh, contemporary context.
The final day of the exhibition was particularly emotional, as children from underprivileged backgrounds visited the venue. Encountering such a wide range of art forms for the first time, the children observed the artworks with curiosity, asked questions and shared their interests. During warm interactions between artists and children, the artists spoke in simple terms about their creative journeys, hard work and dedication. Many emphasized that art is not merely a skill, but a powerful medium for emotional expression and building self-confidence.
Organiser Neha Bhalla Sood described the initiative as more than just an exhibition, calling it a platform for creative dialogue and social engagement. Co-organisers Rohan Riaou and Pooja Garg noted that the exhibition offered artists freedom of expression and gave viewers the space to pause, reflect and connect. According to the organisers, despite being held for the first time, the exhibition received an enthusiastic response from the Tricity and other states as well.