Smt. Praveena Mahicha Soni
We are thrilled to have with us Smt. Praveena Mahicha Soni, a highly respected artist, tie-dye expert, and educator who hails from the fascinating town of Anjar in Kutch, a special place in history, especially for the Jesal-Toral Samadhi, and is a thriving center for manufacturing and artisan crafts.
Smt. Praveena Mahicha Soni: Artist, Tie-Dye Expert, and Respected Educator
A highly respected artist, tie-dye expert, and educator, hails from Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat, India. With a career spanning decades, she has made significant contributions to the field of art, particularly in the realm of natural dyeing and traditional textile techniques. Her passion for art, combined with her dedication to teaching, has earned her a special place in the hearts of her students and the art community.
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Awards and Recognition:
Her artistic talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards:
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Multiple awards for On-the-Spot Painting and Clay Modelling at Gujarat University Youth Festivals (1989, 1994, 1995).
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2007: Gujarat Rajya Lalit Kala Academy Award (47th in Painting - Indigo Dyeing).
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2005: National Merit Certificate for Master Weaver (in vegetable dyeing), Govt. of India (Ministry of Textiles).
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2006: Best Teacher Award, Kendriya Vidyalaya Rajahmundry.
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2017: State Handloom and Handicraft Award, Tree of Life (Second Prize).
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2017: Gujarat Gaurav Puruskar, Lalit Kala Academy Ahmedabad (Lifetime Achievement Award).
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2018: Kendriya Vidyalaya Regional Incentive Award.
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2020: Manu - The Power of Women (Gold Medal).
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2020: International Level Online Art Competition on COVID-19 (Silver Category).
Expertise in Natural Dyeing:
She is a renowned expert in natural dyeing techniques. She has honed her skills through workshops with leading figures like Mrs. Smita Naram and has assisted in workshops conducted by Shri T.J. Rafai and Shri T. Mahicha.
Her expertise has been sought after by prestigious institutions such as:
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N.I.F.T. Gandhinagar.
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Mrs. Smita Naram (M.D.) Ayushakti, Mumbai.
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Fine Art Faculty – Vadodara, Alliance Française, Ahmedabad.
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Kanoria Centre of Art, Ahmedabad – Tie & Dye (Bandhani) and Batik in Natural Dyeing.
Her artwork is part of prestigious collections, including those of:
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Mr. Tuli Ocean House, Mumbai.
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Mr. Prafulbhai Shah (M.D.) Garden Vareli, Mumbai.
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Mrs. Smita Naram (M.D.) Ayushakti, Mumbai.
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‘Gurjari’ Gujarat State Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., Ahmedabad.
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N.I.F.T. – Gandhinagar.
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Mrs. Canna Patel (Architect), Ahmedabad.
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Mrs. Lee Korea.
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Miss Margate - Canada.
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Ministry of HRD Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi.
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Collector Office, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Smt. Praveena Mahicha Soni's dedication to her craft is complemented by her passion for sharing her knowledge:
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For 30 years, she has conducted Natural Dyeing Workshops at her studio in Ahmedabad and various locations across India.
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Since 1998, she has served as a TGT Art Education teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya.
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Contact:
Smt. Praveena Mahicha Soni
M.: +91 9265269047
E.: praveenamahichasoni@gmail.com
