Mandala patterns and cardboard wars
At641 Community celebrates World Art Day that will showcase the region’s finest talents
rom the delicate strokes of botanical line drawings to the bold forms of modern murals and even the surprising functionality of cardboard creations, a series of artistic expressions is set to sweep through Coimbatore as the at641 Community hosts the World Art Day festival.
Established in 2017, at641 is becoming a cornerstone of the city’s contemporary art scene. Over the years, according to its founder Shanjay B, it has grown into a space where artists of all backgrounds connect, find support, and share the joy of creating.
The World Art Day festival is not just a showcase of the region’s finest talents across a diverse array of artistic mediums; it is a celebration of the artists, their vision, and the creative community in Coimbatore.
“The main reason I want to establish a community centre is to address an imbalance in the city’s art scene,” explains
FShanjay. “Those with privileged networks often have an advantage in pursuing their artistic passions. A community centre can level the playing field, creating a supportive collective where artists from all walks of life can connect, find mentorship, and explore the full potential of their work.”
“We want to show people that art isn’t confined to galleries. It’s a part of everyday life, and a festival like this brings those diverse perspectives out into the open, sparking conversations and inspiring creativity in unexpected ways.”
Local artists will transform the at641 space with themed murals, offering a visual experience that celebrates the power of art. But it is not just about the visuals. The festival also features curated workshops designed to engage participants of all skill levels, allowing them to explore diverse art forms and discover their creativity under the guidance of talented facilitators.
Prasun Balasubramaniam
◣ from Salem, who will conduct a workshop on mandala and botanical art, emphasises the therapeutic and accessible nature of art. “Whether it’s mandala or botanical line art, the focused act of creation can be like ‘yoga on paper’,” she explains, “Promoting relaxation and helping anyone find greater focus, regardless of their prior experience.”
“I also look forward to returning to Coimbatore because it’s a special place. I started as an artist while studying at PSG Tech. I have a lot of students from the city,” she adds.
Meanwhile, known for their innovative cardboard creations, Chennaibased Out of The Box will introduce Coimbatore to a new dimension of creativity. “We’re excited to bring our unique cardboard workshops to Coimbatore,” says Karthic Rathinam, founder of the company. “From building functional furniture to staging a thrilling ‘cardboard war’, we want to surprise people and show them just how versatile and fun this everyday material can be.”
For those seeking more than simply creating beautiful pieces, Mind & Company leads an art therapy workshop designed to promote mindfulness and emotional wellbeing. “You see, many art workshops have a specific product in mind: they teach you how to create a particular thing. With art therapy, it’s different. A therapist guides you to express yourself freely through art. It’s less about achieving an exact result and more about the process, which is mentally and emotionally therapeutic,” says Shanjay about the workshop.
The World Art Day fest is not just about showcasing art; it is about connecting artists and fostering a thriving community across borders.
The festival will culminate in the Art Mix Celebration, an evening of art jamming, inspiring talks, and handson artistic experiences designed to ignite the creative spark. This celebration fosters a sense of community and belonging, provides a platform for artists to connect, and strengthens the bonds that enrich the Coimbatore art scene.
Whether you are a seasoned collector seeking the next great piece for your home, a budding artist taking your first tentative steps into mandala, or simply someone looking to be inspired, this festival has something for you.
The World Art Day fest is not just about showcasing art; it is about connecting artists and fostering a thriving community
The event is on from April 13 to 15. For details, call 9500641043