Allen Shakya of Dharan-16, who has been active in painting for 12 years, has been running the Pauwa Art Gallery and also acting as an instructor.
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33-year-old Allen Shakya of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City-16 has set an example of becoming self-reliant by converting his interest into a business. Shakya, who has been active in painting for 12 years, is now running the ‘Pauwa Art Gallery’ and earning a living from this profession.
Shakya, who has been interested in painting since childhood, has been honing his skills over time. In the early days, he gained experience by making simple sketches and small paintings. He says that as his confidence in painting gradually grew, he decided to embrace it as a profession. He then established a gallery and started presenting his art publicly.
‘Pauwa Art Gallery’ located at Janpath Chowk in Dharan-16 has now become a center of attraction for local art lovers. The gallery displays and sells paintings of various genres, including acrylic paintings, watercolors, sketches. Its appeal to customers is increasing as each painting reflects the artist’s feelings, experiences and messages.
Shakya says that the price of paintings varies depending on the size of the canvas, the color used, and the texture. According to him, the price of canvas usually starts from 500 rupees, while finished paintings are sold for 1500 to 50,000 rupees. He said that acrylic paintings in particular start from 8,000 rupees. He also makes paintings on special orders according to customer demand.
According to Shakya, the market for paintings has been expanding recently. The demand, which was previously limited to the local level, is now increasing in various cities in the west including Kathmandu and Pokhara. He has been promoting his art through social media and exhibitions, which has played an important role in expanding the market.
Shakya is not only an artist but also a skilled instructor. He is currently teaching painting to 25 students. Shakya said that he is conducting 6-month and 8-month courses in various genres including acrylic painting and watercolor through the gallery. He said that the course will cost 8,000 to 10,000 rupees. He said that those learning painting range from children to youth. ‘Art is not just a skill in drawing, it is a way of thinking,’ he said, ‘Painting develops patience, discipline and creative thinking in people.’ He said that he is trying to teach students not only technology but also respect and dedication to art.
Shakya says that if children can be especially connected to art, they can be inspired in a positive direction. ‘If children learn art from a young age, they will stay away from addiction and the wrong path,’ he says.
He said that art education is becoming increasingly important as it helps develop creative thinking, confidence and discipline. ‘Art is not just entertainment, it is also a means of employment and self-reliance,’ he said.
