Art Exhibition Different Strokes to Benefit Don Bosco’s Konkan Development Society

Artists for a Cause in collaboration with Don Bosco Konkan Development Society will be showcasing its members God-given talents for the fifth time at Different Strokes, an exhibition cum sale of drawings, paintings and photographs. This year Artists for a Cause is holding its exhibition cum sale at the Sanskruti Bhavan, (Central Library) Art Gallery, Patto, Panaji, from 8 to 10 December 2018 between 10am and 7pm.

The Konkan Development Society (KDS), a registered NGO, is an initiative of the Salesian Province of Panaji. It has done much work in many spheres of social transformation, working with peripheral communities in the Konkan region (Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra). True to Don Bosco, its primary focus is children. These are mainly disadvantaged and marginalised children who are drawn into the educational process and taught to follow the principles of reason and kindness. Sensing the need of every community, the children are empowered with skills in different spheres. Some are offered courses in trades such as motor mechanics, welding, tailoring, electrical work, catering, hospitality, home nursing and a host of other courses. The Society runs shelter homes for abandoned children who are then sent to local schools.

For children struggling with learning challenges, KDS has remedial classes. The Remedial School Project covers 30 Government run schools spread over North and South Goa, where students are given classes in English, mathematics and science after school hours. The non-residential Special Training Centres too cater to children who find it difficult to cope with their studies. These classes are held at various centres around slum dwellings spread over Goa.

KDS also operates a migrant desk and tries to unite run-away children with their families. The Society also manages a helpline for children (CHILDLINE 1098) where children can call in and obtain assistance.

With its firm stance on the importance of education and the significant difference it can make in the lives of underprivileged children, KDS is in constant need of funds to sustain its initiatives. At present, one of its schools in Vasco is in the process of being rebuilt and requires financial resources.

This is where Artists for a Cause steps in to generously contribute to KDS. The Goan artists who are part of Arts for a Cause are from varied backgrounds: doctors, housewives, professional artists, photographers, and students. Different genres of art such as abstract, figurative, folk art, pen and ink work, watercolour, miniature style and the like will be on display at the exhibition. The artists’ sole aim at Different Strokes is to use their innate talents to add a smile to a young face, feed a hungry stomach, or to help a child in distress.

The participating artists include Mohan Naik, Wilson D'souza (Pyde Pyper Academy), Yolanda de Sousa, Harshada Kerkar, Suhas Shelkar, Dakoda Madgaonkar, Sandesh Gaundalkar, Dr Aparna Pradhan, Nandini Raikar, Jyoti Mehta, Anita Kubal, Abeline Fernandes, Shamina Pereira, Vaishnavi Shalkhwalkar, Vasant Hede, Vatsala Kamat Hede, Stacy Rodrigues, Steishan Fernandes, Sunil Shirodkar, Jolene Pereira, Daniel de Souza, Clarence de Souza, Sherwin Pereira, Merwyn Caldeira, Deanne DSouza, Dale Dias, Alvito D’Costa, Shailesh Dabholkar, Bazil Mota, Sarita Sawant, Stephanie de Sousa, Genevieve DSouza, Pooja Bel, Simona Fernandes, Jasmine Rocha, Chaitna Bandodkar, Elizabeth Pereira, Royston D’Souza, and Rubina D’Souza.

The colours of the rainbow promise to be mirrored at Sanskruti Bhavan through the brush strokes of these talented and generous artists. This is a fantastic opportunity to be a philanthropist and become the proud owner of artwork created by a well-known Goan artist. Generous contributions towards acquiring these paintings will help to uplift the lives of underprivileged children and will go a long way in educating future generations who can look forward to living a better life!

(Originally published in December 2018)