By Mrs Dorothy Fernandes for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco High School, Naigaon, in Mumbai, conducted a six-day Art Therapy Workshop from July 8 to July 15, 2025, with the aim of nurturing creativity, emotional expression, and a deeper connection with nature through art. The program was specially designed for students from Classes 6 to 9 and guided by a professional artist and educator, Mr C.D Jain, particularly recognized for his focus on childhood and his advocacy for children's rights.

The workshop began with an aptitude test, where around 45 participating students were asked to draw a leaf and colour it based on their observation. This simple exercise set the stage for expanding the students’ artistic imagination. As the workshop progressed, students were introduced to the basic elements of art and easy techniques to draw quickly and confidently. In a follow-up activity, they were challenged to draw a bunch of leaves without using any shade of green. This sparked a wave of creativity, with vibrant and imaginative artwork pouring out from the young artists.

On the second day, after demonstrations by the trainer, students created landscapes using fresh perspectives and colours. The third day focused on the theme of childhood, where participants illustrated a boy or a girl, reflecting on the innocence and importance of being a child. The fourth and fifth day allowed students to further explore expressive themes, leading to the grand finale on the sixth day, where all participants came together to create a collective artwork. Under the trainer’s guidance, they painted a 40 x 30-inch canvas using acrylic colours, symbolising unity in diversity and shared expression. This masterpiece was proudly presented to the school as a token of gratitude and memory.

The Art Workshop not only brought colour and joy to the campus but also served as a powerful tool and meaningful medium of self-expression, concentration, teamwork, and mindfulness. Through guided, creative expression, students learnt to process feelings, develop patience, and boost their imagination.

At Don Bosco High School, this workshop aligned perfectly with the school's vision of nurturing the heart, head, and hands of every child — truly reflecting the Don Bosco spirit of holistic education.