“Mask-making is a fun and creative craft,” says Bhupendra Asthana
“Modern development is essential, but it must walk hand-in-hand with our cultural roots,” affirms Principal Bharti Gosai
Lucknow – A ten-day art workshop organized jointly by Florescence Art Gallery and Lucknow Public School kicked off this Wednesday across four branches of the school in the city. Open to participants of all age groups, the workshop aims to instill a blend of traditional values and modern artistic techniques through hands-on learning.
The focus of the workshop is traditional mask-making using the papier-mâché technique—a centuries-old craft that involves molding soaked and pulped paper into artistic shapes. The session held at the Rajajipuram branch saw enthusiastic participation from students, who are being guided by art specialists Suchita Singh and Sandhya Yadav.
Bhupendra Kumar Asthana, curator of Florescence Art Gallery, visited the workshop on Thursday and engaged with the young learners. Sharing insights into the craft, Asthana said, “Mask-making is a fun and creative art form with a long and rich history. The papier-mâché technique has been used since ancient times across various cultures. It’s economical, easy to use, and can be turned into a variety of decorative and functional items.”
He added that in India, papier-mâché has deep roots in regions like Kashmir and Mithila, where it has traditionally been used to make toys, utensils, ornaments, and stage props. “Even today, it holds great relevance for both children and adults as a medium of artistic expression,” he said.
Participants in the workshop are learning the process from the ground up—starting from building the base structure with paper and newspaper to layering and shaping the pulp into intricate mask designs. The two expert artists are closely guiding each participant, ensuring everyone learns the full papier-mâché methodology.
Principal Bharti Gosai of the A-Block Rajajipuram branch emphasized the importance of aligning modern education with cultural traditions. Speaking to students and teachers, she remarked, “Traditions are the soul of our identity. When we blend them with modern education, we create a truly meaningful and holistic life.”
She stressed that understanding and honoring tradition enriches character and instills a sense of pride and belonging. Commending the vision behind the workshop, Gosai applauded Florescence Art Gallery and its founder-director Neha Singh for launching an innovative summer camp that champions creativity through cultural learning.
“This initiative gives our students an opportunity to reconnect with their roots through art,” Gosai added. “Workshops like these not only help build emotional intelligence but also lay the foundation for well-rounded development. It’s a brilliant way to keep traditions alive in young minds.”
The mask-making workshop stands as a vibrant celebration of tradition, creativity, and education. As children immerse themselves in the joy of molding paper into expressive masks, they are also discovering a deeper connection to India’s rich artistic heritage.
