CAFE CANVAS
At two outlets of Café Turtle in Delhi, you can sip your mocha as you brush up on your Paresh Maity. The café has been holding art shows for young artists for past three years. Café owner, Priyanka Malhotra’s idea was to create space for artists to showcase their works without having to wait for a slot at the city’s popular galleries. “This was the best I could manage with the resources I had,” she says.
“The paintings stay on the walls for at least a week,” says Malhotra. Artist Niladri Paul, who participated in one of the group shows held at the café, says, “I was amazed at the response.” The café has showcased works of Paresh Maity, Niladri Paul and Chandrakanta Das to young talents like Aditi Singh and Amartya Sinha.
Entry: By invitation only
Display charges: The cost for a week’s display, including the launch, is anywhere between Rs 30,000 to Rs 70,000

THE METROPOLITAN HOTEL
Stopping by a Gucci outlet in a five-star hotel is nothing unusual, but how about passing by a wall in the hotel’s lobby and walking out with a piece of artwork? That’s exactly what you can do at The Metropolitan Hotel in New Delhi. The “Art Spice” in the hotel lobby showcases the works of upcoming artists. “Each slot of paintings stays for two to three weeks,” says Babita Gupta, the owner’s wife and the brain behind the art wall. Gupta’s idea was to bring art to a public realm and help the artists tap international buyers, who frequent the hotel. “I know how difficult it is for a young artist to find a buyer, ” she explains. The hotel has tied up with Enkita Arts for selection of works.
Entry: Open to all
Display charges: The hotel does not charge for the space. The charges are limited to a cut from the sales

... contd.