Children’s Art Exhibition Lights Up Hyderabad Gallery
The M Eshwariah Art Gallery in Hyderabad was transformed into a vibrant showcase of youthful imagination and colour this past weekend, as it played host to the Bala Kala Vikas Children’s Art Exhibition 2025. This five-day event, held from May 10 to 14, is a celebration of budding artistic talent, featuring a compelling blend of an art exhibition and interactive workshops. What makes this exhibition remarkable is not the presence of established artists, but the sheer brilliance of 45 young creators, aged 6 to 18, whose 80 artworks now adorn the gallery’s walls.
Originally established during the pandemic as a learning space for art teachers and students, the M Eshwariah Art Gallery has since evolved into a nurturing platform for young artists. Now in its third consecutive year of hosting children’s exhibitions, it continues to provide a much-needed space for emerging talent to explore and express their creativity.
This year’s open-themed showcase allowed children to venture into diverse subject matter and styles. From vibrant still life paintings of fruits and flowers to thought-provoking depictions of environmental issues and reflections on recent events like the Pahalgam attack, the range was both inspiring and moving. Techniques on display included watercolours, acrylics, pastels, collages, and abstract art, giving the entire exhibition a kaleidoscopic feel of imagination and curiosity.
Sponsored by St. Peter’s High School, Bowenpally, the event is more than just a gallery show — it’s a learning experience. It provides children a meaningful way to spend their summer holidays, enabling them to build skills and confidence. “Art is a career like any other — it’s about learning and applying,” noted Sanjay Kumar, the gallery’s director. “The idea that art isn’t a viable profession is a myth. Everyone is creative by nature — we just need to encourage it.”
A passionate artist himself, Sanjay guided visitors through the exhibition with pride, pointing out the intricacies of each piece. Adding a heartwarming twist, the young artists acted as gallery guides, offering spirited explanations of their work. Their stories often expanded far beyond what was visible on the canvas, enchanting visitors with their imagination and clarity of thought.
This year also saw the introduction of several new hands-on workshops designed to help children delve deeper into creative techniques. From doughnut photo frame painting, glass painting, and sketching to origami and calligraphy, each three-hour session was led by well-known artists and art educators. Esteemed names like KB Indira and Ram Prathap Kalipatnapu, both long-time contributors to the gallery’s programs, returned to mentor participants. Calligraphy expert Shamshuddin led an engaging session aimed not only at creative lettering but also at improving handwriting. Meanwhile, Lalitha, whose previous paper-quilling session was a big hit, came back with a delightful Japanese Origami workshop that attracted enthusiastic participation from all age groups.
Despite the bright visuals and playful spirit, the exhibition carried a profound purpose. Rani Reddy, an art teacher with nearly two decades of experience, emphasised the importance of such opportunities. “Children usually spend their time learning techniques, but rarely get to display what they create. Exhibitions like this help them feel seen, and more importantly, motivated. They also enjoy the recognition — they love explaining their art, and even giving interviews,” she said with a smile.
As the event’s opening day drew to a close, the gallery echoed with applause and laughter. The joy was evident on every face — from proud parents and delighted teachers to the young artists basking in well-earned praise. This wasn’t just an art show; it was a celebration of raw, unfiltered creativity, where each brushstroke told a story, and every colour held a dream.
