Lesley Ellis School, Arlington, MA

In February I visited the Lesley Ellis School, an independent school, preschool through Grade 6, located  in Arlington, MA. We covered a lot of ground, in short classes of  30 – 45 minutes. The students were able to learn about Rangoli through a visual presentation and witness its uses, history, processes and materials. They then had the opportunity to create their own Rangoli design using a blank grid and create a foundation for a further, more in-depth study at some time in the future. It was a great day and a lot of fun. Many thanks to Laura Douglass for your help and support.

If you are interested in booking a Rangoli workshop for your school, either day-long or residency, or would just like some further information, please contact me, Gowri Savoor, on info@gowrisavoor.com

Thatcher Brook Primary School, 2009

In December 2009, I was invited to work with the pupils of Thatcher Brook Primary School during a one-week cultural residency. It was a fun and busy week – each of the 350 pupils had the opportunity to learn about Rangoli design and construction and have some hands-on experience.

Half the school worked on a traditional Rangoli, working with rice and lentils.  The rice was affixed to an 8ft x 4ft panel board and varnished, so the school could keep it on permanent display.

The remainder of the school worked towards a stained glass Rangoli. This is also on permanent display within the school.

Chorlton Park Outdoor Arts Festival 2005

This Rangoli was designed for the Chorlton Park Arts Festival, an annual celebration of art and culture in Manchester.

Size: 8ft x 4ft. Completed on cotton covered board.
Time taken: 6hrs.
Materials: rice and lentils.

After the complicated center was complete, members of the public were invited to participate and help finish the design.