7 art residencies in India that double up as quiet getaways

In our always-on hyper-stimulated lives burdened by productivity, social media, and the stress of an ongoing pandemic, it’s hard to catch a breather (and a break). Luckily for us, nothing calms frazzled nerves like engaging in creative pursuits that ground us. And if these artistic escapes happen to be in places of complete serenity, it’s a sure-shot way to relaxation. Scroll ahead for Bazaar India’s pick of art residencies in India that are peaceful vacations in disguise.

 

Velanga Orchard, Andhra Pradesh

Go for: the slow farm life
Tucked away in Bodabandla, a village in Andhra Pradesh, lies Velanga Orchard, home to the pottery studio and residency Slow Pottery. The owners Nikita Dawar and Karthik Ramaraj were inspired by slow living (which finds a shout-out in their name too) and a more intentional lifestyle, so they moved their studio from Bangalore to the charming 50-acre mango orchard that lies on the fringes of a reserve forest. The residential courses, that cover everything from glazing to setting up your own pottery business, run from March and April keeping in mind how hot it gets during the summers. When not working on your ceramic creations in the studio, unwind by the lakes dotting the orchard, spend some quality-time with the resident puppies or give farming a go–Dawar and Ramraj also grow rice, millets and seasonal vegetables at the property. 

 

Art Ichol, Madhya Pradesh

Go for: a tranquil heritage stay
In the middle of rural Madhya Pradesh in a village called Ichol, lays a creative escape that will win you over with its soothing environment and ancient setting. Art Ichol, started by Ambica Beri, an art patron, is home to a well-equipped studio for ceramics and painting, and rubs shoulders with its neighbours Maihar Heritage Home (a home stay) and Amaria (a writer’s retreat by the riverbank). Let your creativity come to life at the studio then put your feet up in the stunning luxury rooms in the old bungalow. If unwinding outdoors is more your jam, then drag your pillows and opt for a siesta in the expansive organic garden on the property. 

 

Andretta Pottery, Himachal Pradesh

Go for: the serene mountain setting 
Said to be India’s oldest pottery studio, Andretta Pottery is a haven for ceramic lovers who want to delve deeper into the craft. The studio is situated smack in the middle of Andretta–an artist village in Palampur district that dates back to 1920s and is famous not only for its artistic charm but also the undisturbed beauty of the mountains. The studio is designed like an inviting semi-open space complete with a wheel throwing area, museum, and a verdant lawn that looks made for relaxing in-between sessions. If searching for some solitude, head for a walk through the verdant surroundings that are a mainstay in the village.

 

Clayfingers, Kerala

Go for: a lush escape
If you have a little one who loves getting his hands dirty (with clay, that is) then Clayfingers in Kerala is the perfect vacation. Conceptualised by artists Hasseena Suresh and Suresh Subramanian, Clayfingers Pottery is a sprawling 15,000 sqft. homestay in an idyllic neighbourhood in Thrissur. The studio, built from traditional 1950s bricks, has hosted potters, artists and enthusiasts from around the world since 2008. They hold special workshops for children and family to encourage them to get close to the Earth and push the boundaries of their creativity. Staying in one of their quaint art cottages in the lap of greenery, synonymous with God’s own country, is sure to leave you rejuvenated!

 

TATVA Centre, Goa 

Go for: the healing art and beaches
If the sound of waves instantly calms you down and gets your creative juices flowing, then Tatva Centre in Goa should be on top of your list. The first-of-its-kind art residency believes in the power of creative expression to improve mental well-being. During your stay here, dabble in artistic mediums of your choice–from painting and pottery to music and photography. 

 

Roohaniyat, Uttarakhand 

Go for: the untouched mountain wildlife
Take a detour from your next weekend getaway to Nainital and choose Roohaniyat, nestled in the peaceful village of Sirori. Initially a family vacation home, the current owners transformed it into an art residency in 2019. If you’re in the middle of a creative block, then look at Uttarakhand’s natural beauty for inspiration–the cottage is surrounded by an abundance of mountain wildflowers and is blessed with an incredible diversity of birds. When you’ve had your fill of bird watching, relax in the 80-year-old cozy cottage, built by Kumaoni farmers with stone and wood, which is kitted with a fully-equipped jam room for artists to channel their creativity.

 

Art Inn, Rajasthan 

Go for: a taste of Jaipur’s calm side
There’s no city more suited than Jaipur to immerse yourself in the rich art and culture of the country–it’s the birthplace of the eponymous marble handicraft that has won the world over. For once, give the hustle-bustle of the Pink City a miss and get acquainted with its quieter side at Art Inn. A charming cottage located in the Cantonment area of Jaipur, it offers workshops in traditional art forms like block-printing, jewellery-making, blue pottery and even a writing program for those having a love for the written word. Make artist friends for a lifetime, unwind in one of the six themed rooms that they offer, or even step out to explore the old bazaars and palaces of the city, if you long for some activity. 

Lead image: Nikita Dawar/Instagram