Community Connect: Chennai's love for indoor art workshops is on the rise

Time of India

5 days ago

In a city known for its rich heritage and evolving creative spirit, Chennai is witnessing a dynamic surge in indoor art activity workshops — from resin beach art and coil pottery to clay painting and mandala drawing.
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These hands-on experiences, often hosted in cosy studios and cultural spaces, offer more than just a hobby; they blend therapy, community, and skill-building into an immersive escape from the digital grind. For many, it's not just about art; it's about mindfulness, passion, and even a pathway to income.
'Visually captivating, Insta-worthy art are forms gaining popularity'
'Chennai has grown into a hotspot for unique indoor art forms,' says Kavya, who conducts weekly art workshops at a cafe in Adyar.
'People love experimenting with resin art, neon painting, pottery, fluid art, and even tufting. While traditional painting and sketching remain ever-popular, there's a rising curiosity in newer mediums that are visually captivating and Instagram-worthy. Every weekend, we see full-house workshops filled with college students and working professionals.
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'Right now, resin beach art and clay pottery are in high demand,' notes Vishal, a weekend workshop curator.
'They're not just visually appealing but also deeply therapeutic. Many come in to de-stress, while others want to gift handmade pieces or even launch small businesses through what they create. What starts as a hobby often grows into something bigger — selling artworks online or conducting sessions themselves.
So, it's both personal and entrepreneurial.'
'In a world full of screens, workshops bring back human connection'
'A workshop gives you real-time guidance, instant feedback, and a community,' says Nimisha, an art therapy instructor.
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'Unlike YouTube, where you pause and rewind endlessly, here you get to engage directly with the medium — touch, texture, technique — all under expert supervision. In a world full of screens, workshops bring back human connection, reduce stress, and build confidence.'
'People look at cost as investment in relaxation and creativity'
'A basic session ranges anywhere from ₹800 to ₹2,500 depending on the material cost and duration,' explains Kamalesh Iyer, who runs monthly art retreats in Nungambakkam. 'Activities like resin art or pottery can go higher due to the tools and safety materials involved. And if it's hosted in a studio with air-conditioning and all materials provided, the overheads make up a chunk of the pricing. But many people see it as an investment in relaxation and creativity rather than just a fee.
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