Ranchi, April 9: Artists dealing with different forms of modern art and craft would now get an opportunity to showcase their creations at the first art gallery of the capital.

The gallery would be formally inaugurated by commercial taxes minister Ramji Lal Sharda on April 10.

Director of the gallery Kamal Sarda said: “The dream of the artists of Jharkhand would be fulfilled once the gallery is inaugurated. As there was no art gallery here the local artists did not get the chance to showcase their talent. This prompted us to open the art gallery.”

“When we go to New Delhi, Calcutta or Mumbai where there are a large number of such galleries we feel bad because we do not have even one art gallery here. It is particularly bad for an artist who does not have a place where he could display his works. We hope the gallery will improve the situation,” she added.

Painter and craft designer Neha Sarda, whose works would be displayed in the gallery, said: “We look forward to make this gallery different from others. The gallery will serve several purposes, as we would organise a series of events throughout the year.”

Neha said the artists have agreed to start short-term training classes on different aspects of art and craft. They also plan to charge a nominal amount so that most of the people could afford to join. “We have prepared a list of training programmes like designing paraffin and gel candles, flower making and arrangement, art of gift wrapping, murals, fabric painting and jute wall hangings,” she added.

“As Ranchi has become the capital, people are trying to adopt a different lifestyle. They want to do things which would provide job opportunities, so art and craft training programmes would be helpful for them,” she said.