The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath saw an explosion of colours on Sunday with over 80 stalls selling jewellery, clothes, hair accessories, home décor, footwear, greeting cards, paintings, cupcakes, pastries, etc,. ‘Flea 080’, the monthly flea market, served as the perfect platform for small entrepreneurs to showcase their ware.
From traditional Lucknowi Chiken kurtis to Indo-Western fusion style dresses, antique clocks to organic soaps, tempting desserts to homemade wines, the sixth edition of the event had it all. There were several stalls set up for children as well.
“We started Flea 080 to promote the talent of college students, homemakers and other small entrepreneurs,” said Shalini Sudarshan, co-organiser of the event along with Hetal Majithia. “We invite different vendors for every edition so that there’s something new every time,” they said.
The stall owners made the most of the event. Mukta Mangal, homemaker-turned-entrepreneur and owner of the ‘Arts & Crafts’ stall, started her venture one and a half years ago. She sells herbal soaps, hair accessories and jewellery, all made by herself.
Deepali Savur, owner of ‘Solsutraa’, which specialises in homemade art décor, said, “I met the organisers of Flea 080 at another event and was invited by them to set up a stall at the flea market here. Almost 75 per cent of the recycled wine bottle décor has been sold out and the response has been great.”
Deepa M, a needlework teacher at Sophia Girls High School, was one of the many art enthusiasts of the city who visited the day-long exhibition. “I appreciate the talent of these artists, especially in crafts such as crochet which is losing popularity,” she said.
Mind Map, an experimental music group, that uses rare instruments, performed at the event. A fire dance by the group ‘Agni’ and an LED lights show by french artists kept visitors enthralled all through the evening.
