Uma Sriram
 Uma Sriram is from Madras in southern India where she learned to do the traditional arts of mehindi and rangoli. Mehindi is a form of body art where the artist uses a natural henna paste to draw designs on the hands and feet, usually of a woman for her marriage. When the henna dries it dyes the skin a temporary reddish color. Rangoli is a common form of Indian folk art whereby people use sand, colored powders, chalks, or rice flour to create decorations on the ground or floors at the entrances of their homes. The designs can be both pictorial and geometric. Area: Portland area weekends only Type: Workshops (small groups only) Grades 3-12 Costs: See fee schedule for workshops Supplies: $3-$5 per student Traditional Arts of India : Rangoli Rangoli, a type of ephemeral welcome mat, requires a person to use techniques similar to those employed in painting to create a design or picture. Students create a rangoli on cardboard using glue to draw a pattern on which they sprinkle colored powders. They also learn about the role of rangoli in Indian culture and its evolution over time. This project requires basic drawing and measuring skills. Traditional Arts of India: Mehindi Students will learn the history of this art form, how it is practiced in India, and its growing popularity in the U.S. They will learn how to prepare the paste and draw traditional designs for the hand. Henna is a temporary natural dye that fades in 7-10 days so parents should approve of the activity beforehand. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: The Arts: Aesthetics & Art Criticism; Historical & Cultural Connections; Creating, Presenting & Performing Social Sciences: World History; Geography |