Field Notes
Inside the Artisan Workshop
We can't get enough of these beautiful photos! Take a special inside look into the day to day events at the artisan workshop.
“Community” is Not Enough
On the first day of workshops it didn’t feel like I was walking into an office at all, but instead into a home with a large, welcoming family that was quick to include me.
Anchal Celebrates Holi
This year we got to spend the spectacular Holi holiday with Anchal artisans, who of course couldn't wait to douse Colleen & I in an array of bright colors. This celebration of color was followed more importantly by endless dancing! There is no where we'd rather spend it.
The Epicenter for All Your Senses
The Indian marketplace immediately awakens all of your senses. It is the epicenter for everything colorful, loud, pungent & chaotic. The streets are filled with cars, buses, motorcycles, elephants & camels all fighting for a parking space or honking for the right of way.
Anchal Insider: Monthly Education Workshops
\This year we received a generous grant from the Circle of Sisterhood, a non-profit organization that raises money to remove barriers and provide educational opportunities for women & girls around the world.
Meet Anchal Artisan: Basanti
\When Basanti walks into the Anchal workspace, she brings a warm and compassionate energy to the group. Upon first meeting Basanti, she is slightly reserved and shy. However, it does not take long before she is sharing her infectious smile and joyous giggle.
Reporting from Ajmer, India After Day 2 of Design Workshops…
By far my favorite moment when returning to India is walking into the Vatsalya/Anchal office and seeing the artisans for the first time. When I round the corner and peek into the room, I am met with smiles, welcomes filled with "namaste," and the excitement of being together once again. This exchange fuels my soul. More than ever there is a mutual recognition of accomplishment, empowerment, and pride in where we have come in 3 years together.
Welcome Anchal's New Artisans
Please join us in welcoming our new artisans and watch the video below to meet the growing Anchal community in Ajmer & Jaipur.
Saying Goodbye is Never Easy
Our last day in Ajmer was spent finishing up new product samples, laying out a new queen sized quilt, and spending time conducting a few interviews. Maggie and I also met with the senior artisans who have been in the program for over two years.
She Draws With Her Needle
The past few days have flown by. Unlike Jaipur, Colleen and I quickly got to the office each morning, spent the day working with the women, and ended each workshop around 5:00pm. Coming from Jaipur, it has been much smoother the second time around. Seeing the skill and speed after the first day, Colleen and I decided with we would switch up the workshop and challenge this group a bit more.
Beginning Again
It was wonderful meeting the new women in Jaipur the previous week, but there was something magical about seeing the familiar faces of our artisans in Ajmer. I was anxiously waiting the moment when I could lock eyes with the women I had been fighting for the last two years, the same women who inspire me and the same women who you have supported through your purchases and donations.
Chaar = Four
Today was a peaceful day, the women came to the workspace ready to go. For today and tomorrow the women were asked to use color values to collage and sew a 12”x12” panel based on a photograph of food.