Each year, Vrinda’s Art Academy in Vasco hosts an exhibition showcasing student artwork and promoting animal welfare. This year, it will be held on April 26 and 27 at the Art Gallery, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panaji, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The exhibition, themed ‘Art for a cause for animals’, will be inaugurated by the chief guest, Mayor of Panaji, Rohit Monserrate, with artist Viraj Naak as the guest of honour.
Founded in 2001 by artist and art educator Vrinda Agarwal, the academy began with just one student. “I still remember that day,” she smiles. “One child showed up—and now we’ve grown into something much bigger.” While the academy’s Panaji branch was paused for a year, Agarwal plans to relaunch it soon.
Alongside regular classes, Agarwal conducts art workshops, believing that art provides a creative escape and a way to reconnect with oneself.
Table of Contents
The 10th Edition
This edition of ‘Xpressions’ is special for two reasons: it marks Agarwal’s 25th year of teaching and the 10th edition of her exhibition series, originally called ‘Young Xpressions’ when it featured only children’s work. Over time, adults have joined, but the exhibition’s mission remains the same—to support animal welfare and bridge the gap between humans and animals. “We need to coexist,” says Agarwal.
In fact, for Agarwal, animals are an essential part of her life. “I paint them, feed them, and care for them every day. I also run a group in Vasco called Trailblazers, where we work for the welfare of strays,” she says. “Through this exhibition, I want my students to experience the joy of giving back.”
The proceeds go directly to the students as their first earnings while 10% of all sales will be donated to Mahabali Animal Ashram in Pernem, which cares for over 220 disabled dogs.
Student Artworks on Display
With over 100 artworks on display, the exhibition showcases a variety of styles and mediums—from textured canvases and 3D clay models to detailed animal portraits and serene landscapes. There is no set theme, allowing students to express themselves freely. “I don’t want to limit them,” explains Agarwal. “They’re discovering who they are as artists, so I let them create what they love.”
The youngest participants are just eight years old, while adults in their 40s and 50s also contribute. “The energy and emotion in the room are incredible,” says Agarwal. For her, curating the exhibition is about celebrating effort and individuality. “Each painting tells a story.”
One piece that draws special attention is a pencil sketch of Jesus Christ by Agarwal. “It’s very personal. In 2002, after a tragic air crash that took the lives of several friends, I sat down in grief and started sketching. After hours, I realised I had drawn Jesus. You can feel the pain in that piece.” This sketch is featured in every exhibition as a silent guardian and a blessing for her students.
Curating an Exhibition
Beyond the visual display, the exhibition also has an educational purpose. “Exhibitions teach kids so much—they learn to take feedback, speak about their work, and build confidence,” says Agarwal. In fact, art has been transformative for many of her students, some of whom have struggled with depression or are differently-abled. “It’s therapeutic. It’s empowering.”
The exhibition is being held at the Art Gallery, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panaji, from April 26 to April 27, 10 a.m. May I recommend visiting this event to witness the creative talent of the next generation and experience the joy of giving back.
| Event Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | April 26 and 27 |
| Time | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Location | Art Gallery, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Panaji |
Xpressions
About the Academy
Founded in 2001 by artist and art educator Vrinda Agarwal, the academy began with just one student. “One child showed up—and now we’ve grown into something much bigger.” While the academy’s Panaji branch was paused for a year, Agarwal plans to relaunch it soon.
Alongside regular classes, Agarwal conducts art workshops, believing that art provides a creative escape and a way to reconnect with oneself. “Art is a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing,” she says. “It allows us to express our emotions and thoughts in a unique way.”
The academy offers a range of programs for students, from kindergarten to higher education, with a focus on nurturing creativity and fostering a love for art.
The Role of Animals in Agarwal’s Life
For Agarwal, animals are an essential part of her life. “Through this exhibition, I want my students to experience the joy of giving back.”
Agarwal believes that animals have a unique ability to bring people together and promote empathy and compassion. “They have a way of touching our hearts and souls,” she says. “By working for their welfare, we can make a difference and create a better world.”
The proceeds of the exhibition will go directly to the students as their first earnings, while 10% of all sales will be donated to Mahabali Animal Ashram in Pernem, which cares for over 220 disabled dogs.
- Exhibitions like Xpressions provide a platform for students to showcase their artistic talents and learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Art has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, and exhibitions like Xpressions can help promote this awareness.
- The exhibition is a great way to raise awareness about animal welfare and the importance of compassion and empathy towards all living beings.
“Art is a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. It allows us to express our emotions and thoughts in a unique way.”— Vrinda Agarwal
As the exhibition draws to a close, it is clear that Xpressions has become a beloved event in the community, and its impact will be felt for years to come.