Race Course turns into artists’ canvas, draws crowds

Coimbatore: Art Street, one of the signature events of Coimbatore Vizha, was thrown open to the public at Race Course on Saturday. Inaugurated by district collector G S Sameeran, it’s a platform for the local artists to showcase their talents. The Art Street would be open till Sunday.
This year, 80 artists are displaying their works on the Art Street. Another highlight is art installations. On display are Kerala murals of divine and mythological figures, handmade reverse glass art, coffee artworks, creative calligraphy and portraits of famous Tamil writers, to name a few.
The event organizers have tied up with the Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Ranganathan Architecture College and Rathinam School of Architecture to display art installations at the venue.
M A M R Muthiah, chairman of Chettinad Group of Companies, meanwhile, inaugurated Coimbatore Vizha’s first-ever Chettinadu Thiruvizha at Codissia trade fair complex on the day.
Organized by Nagarathar Entrepreneurs Union, the event showcases the rich cultural heritage of Chettinad. Replicas of nine temples, which are famous among Chettinad people, are on display at the entrance of the exhibition hall.
A large number of antique items from Chettinad are also showcased at the event, which features nearly 80 stalls highlighting Chettinad architecture, food, craftsmanship, jewellery, saris and traditional games.