Mentor your inner artist at Sunaparanta in Goa

Did you ever want to explore your creative side, or nurture creativity among youngsters? Here is a unique chance to unlock creativity, deepen skills, and connect with a vibrant community in the heart of Goa.

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Panjim, opens the doors to imagination and skill-building with 'Pencil to Portfolio 2025' — an energising visual arts program for young adults aged 13 to 18.

More than just an art class, this 24-session course is a creative launchpad for aspiring artists, architects, animators, fashion designers and dreamers who want to explore their artistic voice or prepare a standout portfolio for higher education. 

Don't leave Panjim without visiting Sunaparanta

Held every Saturday afternoon at Sunaparanta’s vibrant Panjim campus, the programme offers a rare blend of skill-building, mentorship and real-world experience in a nurturing, professional setting. 

At the heart of the programme is Rajendra Usapkar, a celebrated Goan artistwhose work in charcoal, pen and ink has earned him national acclaim and a place in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.

A master’s graduate from M.S. University, Baroda (Gujarat), Usapkar brings more than technical know-how — he offers students the insight of a seasoned practitioner who’s exhibited from Japan to Romania, and earned both junior and senior fellowships from the Government of India. 

FROM THE HE(ART): Rajendra Usapkar, the brain behind the workshop, offers his valuable insights during the workshop.

Usapkar says, “Art is not just about technique; it’s about discovering your unique vision and learning to express it with confidence. Through Pencil to Portfolio, we aim to nurture that voice in every young artist, guiding them from their first sketch all the way to a polished portfolio that tells their story.” 

Alongside him are guest artists with distinct voices and impressive pedigrees. There's Leticia Alvares, whose award-winning, memory-rich printmaking has been seen at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and Serendipity Arts Festival.

Rajendra Usapkar, Goan artistArt is not just about technique; it’s about discovering your unique vision and learning to express it with confidence.

There's also Swapnesh Vaigankar, a Goan artist recognised internationally for his dynamic prints, holding awards from the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation and the Ministry of Culture.

Another artist is Vijay Bhandare, a printmaker and designer whose portraits and artworks have travelled as far as Sweden, South Korea and the US.

Leticia Alvares shares that art is a journey of patience and discovery, where artists learn to see the unseen and give form to what’s inside us.

Leticia Alvares Swapnesh Vaigankar. Vijay Bhandare. Siddharth Gosavi.

Leticia Alvares shares that art is a journey of patience and discovery, where artists learn to see the unseen and give form to what’s inside us.

“In Pencil to Portfolio, we guide young artists to not only master techniques but to explore their own stories, turning personal experiences into powerful creative voices,” she says. 

Joining this accomplished team is Siddharth Gosavi, whose richly textured practice has grown from early training in Goa to a master's degree in Hyderabad, with multiple national awards and scholarships to his credit.

The free sculptures that transform Panjim into an art gallery

Together, this diverse faculty offers students not just technical excellence but also a window into the life of working artists across disciplines and geographies. 

Through hands-on studio work and mentorship, participants will engage with line, shape, form, composition and perspective while being encouraged to explore their own ideas and style.

The course also places strong emphasis on portfolio development, ideal for those eyeing art and design schools in India or abroad.

ART FOR LIFE: Young artists learn how to form their art portfolio.

The programme concludes with a student showcase, offering teens the thrill of curating and presenting their work in a professional setting — a moment to celebrate creativity with peers, family and the broader community.

Developed under the Creative Cloud: Connecting Art to Life initiative, Pencil to Portfolio is designed to not just teach art, but to live it — building confidence, skill and curiosity that extends far beyond the studio.

DETAILS

WHAT: Pencil to Portfolio 2025 (workshop)

WHERE: Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim

WHEN TO JOIN: Till June 30, 2025 (every Saturday)

TIMINGS: 3 pm to 6 pm

ELIGIBILITY/AGE GROUP:  13 to 18 years

CONTACT: +91 97678 64206