A vibrant 15 day summer art camp unfolded at the IIIT Hyderabad campus from 10 to 25 May, welcoming the children of faculty and staff into a world of imagination and mindful creativity. Guided by Shajil Padiyoor, a visual artist with the Human Sciences Research Center (HSRC) and an art lecturer at the institute, and founder of ”Bodhi Art ”, the camp blossomed into a sanctuary of colors, movement, and expression.

Throughout these two weeks, children immersed themselves in a rich tapestry of art forms — drawing, painting, dance, clay modeling, and eco-friendly crafts making. Each day a new doorway for exploration opened, where art became more than an activity; it became a medium for reflection, connection, and discovery. ​

• The journey began with drawing affirmations and mindful poster-making. Children were encouraged to express their thoughts, dreams, and self-beliefs through drawing and words. They created beautiful affirmation posters — bright, colorful artworks that they could hang up and see every day. These visual reminders helped them begin the camp with a positive mindset and laid the foundation for using art as a tool for self-reflection and emotional awareness.​

• The second day was devoted to understanding color and emotional expression through painting. Instead of following templates or fixed ideas, children painted freely using images and colors they loved. This open-ended activity allowed them to associate colors with feelings, explore their artistic preferences, and experience the joy of intuitive painting. It was a deeply personal and satisfying experience, as each child’s artwork reflected their unique inner world ​
  
• One of the most exciting and meaningful activities was creating crafts from waste materials. In a playful but powerful exercise in sustainability, children brought in leftover pages from their school notebooks and transformed them into handmade books. They learned how even discarded things can be reborn as beautiful, useful creations. This process not only sparked innovation and creativity but also introduced important values of recycling, minimalism, and mindful consumption

• Midway through the camp, the focus shifted to working with clay, a natural and grounding material. Children explored the art of making small pots and sculptures, shaping clay into animals, abstract forms, and everyday objects. Through this hands-on experience, they learned basic sculptural techniques and discovered the calming, tactile pleasure of working with the earth. More than just material, clay became a bridge connecting them with nature and the quiet, meditative side of creation​
• A truly unique experience was the day of creative movement and dance. Unlike conventional dance classes, this session didn’t rely on popular film songs or choreography. Instead, children began by becoming aware of their bodies through gentle movement exercises. Gradually, they explored expressive actions, group games, and storytelling through motion. The session encouraged self-confidence, empathy, and joyful interaction. It helped children form new friendships, let go of shyness, and discover their inner rhythm in a very communicative and energetic way. ​

Throughout the camp, art was not just something to “make”—it was something to experience, feel, and grow through. The children learned not only painting, sculpture, and craft techniques but also developed essential life skills like patience, observation, empathy, and creative problem-solving. They were encouraged to explore art as a tool for inner calm, reflection, and joyful curiosity. ​
As part of the camp, students visited an art exhibition at the University of Hyderabad to explore diverse artworks and expand their imagination. Several parents joined us,
making the visit smooth and memorable. The day ended with a joyful nature walk, adding fun and connection to the experience.​

Journey of the Heart Through Art 

• The IIITH children’s art camp was more than just a collection of creative sessions—it was a living, breathing journey into the heart of art itself. Every child found their own way to express themselves, whether through a gentle brushstroke, a bold sculpture, a joyful movement, or a shared laugh with a new friend. It was a space where children didn’t just learn how to make art—they learned why we make art: to connect, to heal, to wonder, and to be more fully ourselves.

As part of the camp, students visited an art exhibition at the University of Hyderabad to explore diverse artworks and expand their imagination. Several parents joined us, making the visit smooth and memorable. The day ended with a joyful nature walk, adding fun and connection to the experience.

As the camp came to a close, the space was filled not only with colorful artworks but also with shining eyes, proud smiles, and quiet moments of reflection. Each child left carrying not just their creations, but a deeper understanding of themselves—and a spark of creativity that will continue to grow long after the camp has ended.​Bodhi Art thanks the IIIT-H community and the participating families for making this camp a soulful and unforgettable experience. May this be the beginning of many more mindful, artful journeys ahead.

 May 2025