One-Day Painting Workshop at Southwestern

A one-day painting workshop organized by Southwestern State College (SWSC), Basundhara, brought together artists, students, and art enthusiasts in what was, as expected, a vibrant convergence of creativity and institutional ambition. Held on May 16, 2026, the event marked the college’s formal introduction of its newly launched +2 Fine Art Program—an addition that arrives with both promise and quiet expectation.

Senior artist Kiran Manandhar, also the first Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, attended as the chief guest, lending the occasion a sense of gravitas that such events tend to benefit from. He was joined by a range of attendees, including art critics, professional artists, and college officials, forming a gathering that balanced experience with observation.

The workshop drew a varied audience-parents, guardians, and prospective Fine Art students—each with their own stake in what art education might offer. Framed as more than just a workshop, the program moved fluidly between exhibition, orientation, and interactive session. Live painting demonstrations unfolded alongside opportunities for direct engagement with established artists, while networking discussions attempted to map out the often uncertain terrain of careers in art and design.

With around 20 senior and professional artists present, the environment was, unsurprisingly, rich with perspectives. The initiative appeared to open up conversations around possibilities within the art field—however broad or undefined those possibilities may still remain for many entering it.

During the opening ceremony, Campus Chief Dr. Rajendra KC reiterated the college’s commitment to nurturing creative talent and providing professional-level artistic education through the Fine Art program. College officials ensured the event proceeded smoothly, reflecting an organized effort behind what is, at its core, a carefully positioned academic expansion.

In the end, the workshop served its purpose: promoting the Fine Art program while encouraging students to consider art as a serious educational path. Whether it fully resolved the long-standing uncertainties surrounding such a choice is another question, but it certainly made the proposition feel, at least for a day, both accessible and compelling.