Tag: Artist

EduConnect

St. Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa Held School Exhibition 3.0: Igniting Young Minds Through Creativity & Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa organised School Exhibition 3.0 on 21st and 22nd November 2025 in the school premises, bringing together creativity, innovation, and culture under one inspiring theme: “Igniting Young Minds Through Creativity & Innovation.” The exhibition showcased a wide range of student-created exhibits across Art, Science, and Social Science. Students from neighbouring schools visited the exhibition on 21st November 2025, while parents along with the students explored the displays on 22nd November 2025. Visitors were warmly welcomed with lively Goan folk dances that beautifully reflected the vibrant culture of Goa, accompanied by soothing Western musical pieces and classical Indian compositions. A counter presenting traditional Portuguese dishes added a distinctive and elegant cultural flavour, enriching the entire experience.

The entrance of the school was creatively decorated on the theme of Space, capturing the attention of visitors from the moment they arrived. Each floor featured colourful and thematic displays that added to the brilliance and beauty of the event. The Science section presented various working models and experiments that demonstrated scientific principles and innovations with clarity and enthusiasm. The Social Science exhibits explored historical discoveries, the prehistoric period, and key geographical ideas through charts and working models that were both educational and visually engaging. The Art displays featured paintings, newspaper art, and a variety of creative works that reflected the students’ artistic imagination, creativity, and dedication.

Visitors from other schools, as well as parents, expressed deep appreciation for the event. They praised the students’ creativity, innovation, and confidence, as well as the thoughtful planning and visually appealing presentations that made the exhibition informative, interactive, and inspiring. School Exhibition 3.0 once again reinforced the importance of fostering scientific thinking, encouraging artistic talent, and promoting historical and geographical understanding among students. By providing meaningful exposure to creative, cultural, and scientific pursuits, the event truly lived up to its theme, igniting young minds through creativity and innovation.

Social

“Different Strokes” Art Exhibition Brings Hope Through Creativity with Tr. Dylan Fernandes at Sanskruti Bhavan

Tanisha Cardozo

The “Different Strokes” Art Exhibition at Sanskruti Bhavan, Central Library, Patto, Panjim, has brought together a vibrant collection of over a hundred artworks created by twenty-five talented artists from Goa. This inspiring exhibition, which is open to the public until Sunday, 23rd November 2025, carries a powerful purpose—every artwork showcased contributes to a larger mission of hope, compassion, and transformation. Organized by artist and curator Mrs. Rubina Dsouza in collaboration with Don Bosco’s Charities, the exhibition was inaugurated by Arch. Neville Monteiro, President of ‘Assistencia’. It serves as a meaningful platform where art meets philanthropy, allowing visitors to experience creativity while supporting a significant social cause.

Among the many artists featured, the works of Teacher Dylan Fernandes from Holy Cross High School, Siolim, daughter of Domingos and Benediana Fernandes, stand out as a heartfelt offering as part of her Pilgrimage of Hope during the Jubilee Year. This initiative gave her, along with many other artists, an opportunity to lend their artistic talent to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The exhibition features both established names and emerging creators, all united in their desire to bring hope to the marginalized.

Don Bosco Konkan Development Society, a branch of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has long been committed to improving the lives of children, youth, women, and socially disadvantaged communities. Their mission—“Transforming Lives for a Better Tomorrow”—is reflected through their numerous programmes focusing on education, skill development, women’s empowerment, child care, and community welfare. With the entire proceeds from the sale of artworks dedicated to supporting these outreach initiatives, “Different Strokes” stands as a true example of art being used as a force for good. The exhibition not only celebrates creativity but also amplifies the collective responsibility of society to uplift its vulnerable sections. It is an event that touches the heart, inspires action, and proves that art, when shared generously, can indeed transform lives.

Spotlight

Sharmila Coutinho: An Artist’s Journey Beyond Borders

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

“Make art when no one cares. Make it raw, make it real.
That’s where your true voice takes shape—not through perfection, but through consistent, honest expression.” – Sharmila Coutinho

Sharmila Coutinho’s journey as an artist is one that beautifully blends resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. She recalls how drawing came naturally to her, never forced or taught, but simply present as her happy place—a space where the world made sense. At just seven years old, a simple Santa gift of a 24-shade colour set opened a world of endless hues and possibilities. That magic box was the first spark that set her on a path she would later choose to embrace fully.

Blooming Where She Was Planted

Encouraged by her mother, Sharmila joined Bal Bhavan, where her creativity was nurtured in countless ways, from the art studio to the music room, from clay modeling to the library where she first discovered Vincent van Gogh’s letters. These experiences shaped her perspective, revealing not only the struggles of an artist but also the beauty of persistence and self-expression. Although she initially chose the conventional path of science and computer studies, her heart was always drawn back to colour and canvas. Dropping out to pursue Fine Arts was one of the most defining choices of her life, one that came with struggles but also profound fulfillment.

Her path as an artist was far from smooth. She faced doubts—both her own and those of others—but chose to bloom where she was planted. She worked hard, supported herself, and learned the ways of the art market through experience and even through setbacks. Her studio in Goa became the place where her work reached people across the world—Spain, the UK, and beyond—all without her chasing opportunities. Instead, her art spoke for itself. Among her many milestones, two stand out: conceptualizing and designing the Lusofonia Games torch, a seashell-inspired piece that symbolized unity among coastal nations, and creating the official IFFI poster when the festival first came to Goa.

Today, Sharmila continues her creative journey as Deputy Infographic Editor at The Times of India, where she works with visionary editors and design professionals who recognize her talent. She sees art not as confined by borders but as an evolving practice of growth and expression. For her, creativity begins in silence, in stillness, and in the ability to declutter both the mind and surroundings. Travel, music, psychology, and deep conversations fuel her inspiration, while minimalism helps her maintain the clarity to create.

Creating for Meaning, Not Metrics

She acknowledges the challenges—self-doubt, external pressures, fleeting digital attention spans—but believes true growth lies in creating for meaning, not metrics. For aspiring artists, her advice is simple yet powerful: create when no one is watching, create without applause, and create because it fulfills you. Recognition may come, but fulfillment lies in the process itself.

Looking ahead, Sharmila hopes to reconnect with the tactile side of art after years of working in the digital realm. She dreams of returning to hands-on creation—painting, experimenting, and building with materials directly.

Her journey is ongoing, her canvas still open, and through it all, one truth remains: stay true, don’t lose yourself in the noise, and let your creativity continue to bloom without borders.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities

Meet Sneha Ramesh Vadkar: The Artist Behind Unique Handmade Creations

allycaralgoa

Growing up in Sakhali, Sneha Ramesh Vadkar was always fascinated by art and crafts. This childhood passion led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Murals from Goa College of Art.

Sneha’s artistic journey began with creating handmade jewelry and decor items for herself and as gifts for friends. Encouraged by their appreciation, she started exhibiting her products at pop-ups. Her big break came when artist Harshada Kerkar offered her a platform to showcase her paper lanterns at her art gallery in Panjim.

Fusion of Traditional and Modern Art

Sneha’s unique creations blend traditional and modern art forms. She experiments with different techniques and materials, resulting in distinctive paintings, jewelry, and home decor items. Her product range includes watercolor and acrylic paintings, murals, pottery, terracotta jewelry, and eco-friendly paper lanterns.

For Sneha, creating something with her own hands is incredibly satisfying. She puts her heart and soul into each piece, ensuring that every product is unique. Sneha believes that handmade products are not just items, but a reflection of the artist’s hard work and creativity.

What’s Next?

Sneha plans to establish her own studio, where she can teach and showcase her products. She aims to expand her product range, incorporating more pottery and ceramics.