Lucknow: A special and inspiring Summer Art Camp focusing on “Pottery, Raku and Traditional Terracotta Techniques” commenced at the Gomti Nagar campus of Lucknow Public School and Colleges in collaboration with Fluorescence Art Gallery.
The workshop, being held from May 21 to May 29, 2026, is organized daily from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, including Sundays, and has attracted enthusiastic participation from students interested in creative and traditional art forms.
The camp is being conducted by renowned guest artist Prem Shankar Prasad, who shared his extensive knowledge and practical experience in ceramic art and traditional clay craftsmanship with participants. Throughout the camp, students are receiving hands-on training in clay preparation, hand-building techniques, terracotta sculpture making, and the unique firing techniques used in Raku pottery.
During the sessions, Prem Shankar Prasad highlighted the historical and cultural significance of pottery, describing it as one of the oldest art forms in human civilization. He introduced students to traditional techniques practiced by folk and contemporary ceramic artists and demonstrated how natural elements and fire transform clay into expressive works of art.
Participants are also learning in detail about clay selection, form creation, surface decoration, texture development, glazing processes, and the distinctive firing methods associated with Raku pottery.
One of the major highlights of the camp was a live Raku firing demonstration, where students witnessed the dramatic visual effects created by smoke, intense heat, and rapid cooling processes. The artist also guided participants on safety measures, kiln operation, and the importance of experimentation in ceramic art. Students enthusiastically created pottery items, decorative forms, masks, and sculptural artworks using traditional terracotta techniques.
The camp was further enriched by the presence of senior art critic Alok Paradhkar as the “Guest of the Day.” During an interactive session, he encouraged students to fearlessly pursue their creative interests and artistic instincts. He motivated participants to choose subjects aligned with their imagination and abilities while understanding the role of art in personality development and career opportunities.
Principal Anita Chaudhary appreciated the initiative and expressed happiness at seeing students actively engaging with traditional art forms. She encouraged them to make full use of such creative platforms to enhance their artistic skills, discipline, and cultural understanding.
Director of Lucknow Public School and Colleges and Fluorescence Art Gallery, Neha Singh, conveyed her best wishes to all participants and emphasized that art education not only nurtures creativity but also opens promising career opportunities in fine arts, design, sculpture, ceramics, and visual communication. She stressed the importance of preserving and promoting Indian traditional art forms through such practical summer camps.
Rajesh Kumar stated that the camp began with tremendous enthusiasm, creativity, and a spirit of learning, inspiring students to continue exploring the rich world of pottery and visual arts.
Gallery curator Bhupendra Asthana remarked that such summer art camps not only provide technical training but also help students develop emotional and cultural connections with India’s traditional artistic heritage. He added that disciplines like Raku and terracotta cultivate patience, sensitivity, and experimentation among young learners while strengthening their imagination and self-confidence through practical artistic experiences.
