| Grass to Gold
 The Crafts Council of India is organising a three-day international jewellery convention titled ‘Grass to Gold ’, in association with the Office of the Development Commissioner
(Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, from October 6-9 at
The Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
The Crafts Council of India is the apex body with a network of 14 affiliated state councils in its fold, working for the welfare of crafts persons and the development of handicrafts.
This landmark convention will celebrate the evolution of jewellery from countries that form the Asia-Pacific region of the World Crafts Council. The 'Grass to Gold’ convention will encompass several interesting events such as the young craftsperson competition, exhibition (October 6-9), seminar (October 7-9), fashion shows, film shows and live workshops.
As a prelude to this convention, an interactive workshop for the
craftsperson's will be conducted by leading designers on October 4, 5 and 6 in Chennai.
Speaking on the convention, Vijaya Rajan, chairperson, Crafts Council of India, said the convention was a unique event showcasing the best jewellery traditions, both in the conventional and non-conventional areas. The core of the convention will be a three-day seminar on 'Grass to Gold - Jewellery Traditions through the Ages', on October 7, 8 and 9, unfolding a fascinating canvas of historical
perspectives, regional traditions and heritage.
The speakers at the event will include eminent personalities in all areas related to jewellery - museum curators, designers and craft experts. The dissemination and sharing of information is aimed at generating international awareness and appreciation of the dynamism of living craft traditions; to stimulate an exchange of ideas between local craftspersons, designers and international experts; and to provide a platform for people involved in jewellery and allied areas to interact.
 An exhibition and sale of exquisite designer jewellery made not only out of precious metals but of other non-conventional materials will be held alongside the seminar. The inauguration of the exhibition is on the evening of October 6.
Film shows and live workshops will help highlight new techniques, methodologies and materials to foster national and international understanding for people involved in jewellery and allied trades.
The young craftsperson competition (YCC) is an event showcasing the most dramatic expressions of traditional as well as contemporary jewellery. The theme of the competition is ‘Jewellery - Grass to Gold’. Select pieces from jewellery submitted for the competition by craftspersons from the Asia-Pacific region - crafted from diverse mediums such as grass, wood, metal, beads, glass, paper, stones, bones, thread, ribbon, (besides gold and
platinum) will be displayed. Announcement of the winners of the competition will be made during the convention.
A commemorative volume of exotic and rare jewellery will be released during the convention. In addition, social evenings are being planned on October 7, 8 and 9, as a celebration of the country's inheritance and highlighting various aspects of jewellery usage.
A glittering show of exquisite jewellery will be held October 7. Both high-end and low-value jewellery will be shown with special emphasis on jewellery crafted out of unconventional and eco-friendly material.
October 8 evening will be a Mughal Evening hosted by Bharany’s of Delhi, at a place that reverberates the theme. This will be an unusual show with Bharany’s chosen designs from the Mughal era.
October 9 will also be an evening with a difference. A traditional south Indian dinner will be hosted at a heritage venue, incorporating life in the bygone era and re-emphasising the rich inheritance. The evenings have been specially planned to provide entertainment, recreation and relaxation to the delegates, after the intense debates and discussions during the seminar sessions.
 Usha Krishna, chairperson, convention committee, said, “The jewellery convention, besides showcasing the best of jewellery art, will also celebrate the winners of 'Three Young Jewellery Craftspersons' of the year. All selected works will be exhibited at the venue where the competition is being held. The award-winning products will be sent as entries to the UNESCO Craft Prize for the Asia-Pacific Region to be held in Central Asia in May 2005.”
The YCC competition is open to everyone. The entries from competitors - the tribal, the local and the designer, below the age of 35 years in the Asia-Pacific region - will be judged on the basis of originality in treatment and design of the submitted pieces.
A sum of $ 5,000 is allocated for prizes. The first prize - $ 2,500 is sponsored by Brunei Museums Dept; Second prize - $ 1,500 is sponsored by Dr Ghada of Kuwait and the third prize - $ 1,000 is sponsored by the Crafts Council of India.
Those interested can get the details on
www.wccapr.org / www.grasstogold.com
or e-mail craft@satyam.net.in
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