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

Morehead State University, Kentucky. October 2011

In October 2011, I was invited to Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky, to perform and coordinate a participatory Rangoli drawing.
The finished design was 5ft x 5ft in size, took over 15lbs of rice in 10 colors and utilized the help of 18 participants over 6 hours.
Many thanks to Jennifer Reis, Gallery Director of MSU and the following students for their help, focus and enthusiasm:
Annie Peterson, Morgan Gaunce, Sarah Porter, Jaleesa Wonell, Maria Blevins, Nancy Sartor, Alana Brewer, Chrissy Smith, Tara Castellano, Callie Morgan, Torri Bakonyi, Collin Hite, Carly Saunders, Oana Elena Nae, Angie Comstock and Sarah Burkhardt.

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Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA

On the weekend of 2nd and 3rd April 2011, I was invited to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA to perform a Rangoli, as part of Sensational India!, a weekend of creative activities celebrating the arts and culture of India.
Two separate designs were provided for children interested in participating in rangoli making.

The Rangoli design was a celebration of springtime. It included around 8-10 colours, took 10hrs to complete and was 6 x 6ft in size.
On this occasion the design was drawn out onto fabric first, making its demolition a little easier.

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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.