PNCA hosts handmade papermaking workshop for students

Islamabad: The Pakistan National Council of the Arts organised a handmade papermaking workshop at the National Art Gallery here on Sunday.

The special event conducted by Zahidur Rehman catered to over 100 students from the Art Society of the Foundation University School of Health Sciences in Rawalpindi. It offered a practical introduction to handmade paper, highlighting sustainability and traditional techniques.

Participants had the opportunity to create paper using recyclable materials such as waste paper, plants, flowers, and leaves. With guidance from experienced instructors, they learned to craft beautiful, custom-made paper from everyday items. The session, targetting beginners, emphasised hands-on learning and the reuse of materials.

"This workshop was part of our Art for Therapy series, which aims to merge artistic expression with mental health benefits,” said director at the PNCA visual arts division Mariam Ahmed. “We are delighted to offer this enriching experience, promoting both creativity and wellbeing.”

She said by the end of the workshop, participants produced their own handcrafted paper, reflecting their creative efforts and the event's focus on sustainable artistic practices. "PNCA continues to champion art and culture through community outreach programs like Art for Therapy, which leverages art's therapeutic potential to enhance mental well-being and encourage creativity within communities," she said.