A women-only art retreat in Puducherry will enable participants to soak in the locality, learn a skill, and also unwind at an artistic getaway
Pragya Mittal (left) demonstrates the use of oil pastels to a participant at a previous session. Pics courtesy/The itchy boots
As winter approaches, many head to the hills for a tranquil break from the city hustle. Why not move away from the predictable, and head to the coast instead? The Itchy Boots, a Bengaluru-based platform that organises women-only residencies in locations, has announced a new upcoming retreat in the final week of November in Puducherry. The trip offers a mix of a relaxing holiday and this art retreat, where participants get to engage in different ways.
A view of the Dumas Guest House in Puducherry, where the last retreat was conducted (right) A visitor observes the shelves of dolls at the Live Art Museum
Pragya Mittal, founder, The Itchy Boots, shares about the experience, “We will be staying at Dumas Guest House in the French Colony. It’s a simple space with a rustic vibe. Such retreats typically comprise small groups of eight people. The Puducherry plan is for three nights and four days, with a couple of art sessions per day. The sessions are done with oil pastels, in an impressionistic style of painting, simply applying colours to the canvas,” she elaborates, adding, “All materials will be provided by us; I will guide participants through it, hence, they don’t need to worry about not being skilled in sketching or drawing.”
Such retreats are a draw for people from across India. “Our previous Puducherry retreat this year in February was attended by five women, from Delhi, Chennai, and Puducherry itself,” Mittal shares. “It’s a mix of cultural immersion and relaxation. We will take [participants] around the French Colony streets, and to the Golden Bridge Pottery — a famous studio known for pottery production.” The group will also be taken around different eateries, such as Tanto Pizzeria and Coromandel Cafe, while art sessions will be conducted at the guesthouse, with nature-inspired themes as well. “Other popular spots on the list include: Matrimandir in Auroville; the Live Art Museum at the Wonders of White Town Museum, which houses a variety of dolls; and watching the sunrise at Serenity Beach. On the last day, everyone shares their artworks, and takes some reflection time,” she tells us.
A display at the art retreat; (right) a view of the sunrise at Promenade Beach, one of Puducherry’s most popular beaches
Regarding meals, she confirms, “Breakfast and lunch are covered by us, but dinner is arranged by the guests, as after 6.30 pm, mostly everyone wants some solitary time, especially since we offer evening reflection and free time.” The standout is women individually connecting with women across ages. Participants are typically between the ages of 28 and 70, Mittal informs. “Instead of taking a vacation, the point is to connect with the local culture and quaint historic spots, which tourists would otherwise remain unaware of. Adding art to the mix only makes it more touching. Reservations are limited, so it’s best if people sign up soon,” she signs off.
On November 28 to December 1 at Dumas Guest House, Dumas Street, White Town, Puducherry.
Call 9686661440 (to book)
Cost Rs 34,500 per person (Twin-sharing basis)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
