For 25 years now, 65-year-old Sujaya Mahesh has been promoting diverse styles of hand embroidery through Sameeksha Studio and School of Embroidery in Bengaluru. Her mission is to introduce new audiences to the rich traditions of hand embroidery (not just Indian styles), ensuring that the craft not only survives but continues to thrive and evolve. Mahesh, a former college professor (Home Science at Mount Carmel College) learned different needle embroideries from her mother, and continued practising and improving her artistic practice.

If you to wish to immerse yourself, and learn more about a new craft, or shop for hand embroidered bookmarks, saris, dupattas, blouses or kaftans, Mahesh will be in the city anchoring a four-day itinerary, starting from today, till July 27, for an exhibition, talk and a workshop themed on Karnataka’s (her home state) Kasuti embroidery at Craft Circle in Versova. The exhibition includes not just Kasuti pieces but will showcase other hand embroidered pieces too. Mahesh adds that the workshop is suitable for beginners.