Visitors can enjoy creativity in its different forms at Patna Book Fair that starts from Saturday .

The India Art Investment Company will bring together art forms from around the country and the state, and display them to the people at the "Made in India art and craft village". Among the works on display would be Madhubani artist Baoa Devi's paintings.

The 75-year-old artist, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri, said: "It makes me happy to see Madhubani artists given a public platform to showcase their talent. Painting is their livelihood, and any exposure that aids the sale of their art is always welcome."

The India Art Investment Company's initiative to display Madhubani painting at the fair is an extension of their attempt to preserve and promote folk art in the country, and empower the artists. This will be the company's second visit to the 10-day Patna Book Fair. Chief executive officer Prashant Singh said 19 folk art forms from 13 states will be showcased at the "village". "Demonstrations by 27 artists will also be organised," he added.

Pattachitra work from Bengal, tribal jewellery from Jharkhand, Maharashtra's Warli craft, Uttar Pradesh's black pottery to leather puppetry from Andhra Pradesh - all will be available for residents to see and enjoy at the book fair. The organisers also promise Gond art from Madhya Pradesh and stone dust painting from Rajasthan.

"An estimated 2.5 crore people are involved in folk art in the country, and 70 per cent of them are women," added Prashant. "It is the second largest sector in rural employment after agriculture and our aim is to foster social entrepreneurship among them."

The "village" organisers also plan a 12ftx 12ft painting by artists and 120 NIFT-Patna students in 10 days.