Workshops: From Traditional Crafts to Urban Murals

Siliguri’s growing art scene isn’t just about exhibitions and fairs — it’s also about learning by doing. Across the city, a vibrant culture of art workshops is helping people reconnect with heritage crafts while exploring new-age expressions like urban murals and graffiti. From school halls to open-air spaces, Siliguri is becoming a creative classroom for all ages.

On one side, local artists and cultural groups offer traditional craft workshops that revive age-old practices like clay modeling, Pattachitra painting, Kalighat-style scroll art, and bamboo handicrafts. These sessions often include storytelling elements, allowing participants to understand the cultural roots behind each motif and technique. They’re especially popular in community centers and schools, where the emphasis is on preserving Bengal’s folk legacy.

On the other end of the spectrum, urban art workshops are taking off among Siliguri’s youth. Street-style expression — through murals, stenciling, calligraffiti, and spray painting — is gaining ground, inspired by trends in Kolkata and Delhi. Some local artists even offer weekend sessions where young painters collaborate to transform blank walls into storytelling canvases. These murals often reflect social issues, identity, and local pride, making the streets of Siliguri more colourful and meaningful.

Many of these workshops are open to all — no experience required — and act as platforms for community bonding, creative exploration, and skill-building. Whether it’s painting a tribal motif on a pot or splashing bold colors on a wall, the goal is to give people the confidence to create.

As Siliguri continues to grow, these workshops ensure that art remains part of everyday life — not just something to view, but something to make, share, and celebrate together.