Far away in the historical land of Maihar in Madhya Pradesh, art patron and lover Ambica Beri has envisioned a creative escape called Art Ichol to give wings to many an artists’ dreams. Call it an art retreat or a quaint getaway, it’s an apt place to unwind and regale in the abundance of nature and art.
A languid air still envelops Ichol. Its connect with modernity is only through Maihar, which is seven kms away. Ichol retains its innocence through vast mustard fields, unhurried traffic and amenable nature of the locals.
Amidst this world of serenity and calm is Art Ichol, a creative retreat that springs surprises in every step. Maihar is where the legendary Baba Allauddin Khan stayed and trained the illustrious trinity of Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi.
The sarod maestro gave birth to the Maihar gharana, one of the most revered gharanas of Hindustani classical music.
Till date, one can be mesmerised by the Maihar band, India’s only classical music orchestra, which plays all of Baba’s composed ragas. Maihar is also a shaktipeeth as the Shardadevi Mandir is perched on one of its hills and devotees throng Maihar throughout the year.
Art Ichol is a testimony of Ambika's love and the extent she is willing to go to make the world of art accessible to the locals and young talents. The Art Ichol Skill Centre, with Suraj Udyan, a huge sculpture park, is Ambica Bari’s vision, a dream to create a multi-facility centre for art. Formally launched
two years ago, the endeavour took almost five years to complete.
Art Ichol, created with the support of Bari’s father Suraj P Sabharwal and artist Narayan Sinha, still stands bright. Its sculptures, installations and contemporary interiors give Art Ichol a spectacular personality.
Beri says, “Not only artists and art students, but locals too identify with the place.” The foundation aims to support at least five underpriviledged artists every year. It is also a multi-facility centre where young artists come to work.
Its roofs are done with the local Khaprail tiles and the entrance is decorated by a Shakti Burman sculpture and nearby is a stage flanked by a big Debabrata De bronze sculpture of Baba Allauddin Khan.
This is where Bari arranges performance of the Maihar band.Inside there are chandeliers created out of ship anchors and pothole covers, mirrors made from old bronze thaals, tables created out of old Kolkata window shutters, the central lampshade transformed from an old chimney of an abandoned kiln and lights made from old dilapidated railway signals.
“About five years back I was attracted to this land and wanted to build a multi-art centre for stone, metal, ceramics and fine art that people would experience and enjoy. Art Ichol was borne from that vision,” Beri adds.
Visitors put up at the beautiful 100-year-old villa owned by the Beris. A homestay, with delicious organic food only adds to the experience.