In today’s fast-paced world, the search for balance often leads us to explore wellness, creativity, and culture—but can these distinct aspects of life truly be blended into a unified experience? Wellness speaks to the health of the body and mind, creativity fuels innovation and self-expression, and culture anchors us to identity and tradition. While each serves a different purpose, together they have the potential to offer a more holistic path to personal and collective growth. This article explores that very possibility through the lens of a unique summer camp experience rooted in Indian art forms.
Asker, June 2025 – Over 30 children and teens aged 6 to 18 gathered at Borgen Innbyggertorget in Asker on June 14 and 15 for a vibrant two-day summer camp organized by the Art to Heart Institute. Rooted in art, wellness, and nature-inspired learning, the camp invited children to explore their creative selves through yoga, music, visual art, and content creation.
Led by Uma Ranganathan, founder and president of the Institute, the camp was designed as an intentional space for cultivating balance in young lives.
“In a digital age filled with distractions and performance pressure, wellness can no longer be a luxury—it’s essential,” says Uma.
A Closer Look: The Two-Day Schedule
Each day began with yoga and movement-based warm–ups led by Sannutha Jayaram, helping students ground their energy and focus.
Music & Rhythm Sessions
Day 1: Children were trained in Indian classical notes and vocal techniques. They were also exposed to practical microphone use.
Day 2: Focus shifted to math in rhythm through engaging rhythm-based games, helping students build coordination and intuitive tempo awareness.
Creative Visual Art & Storytelling
Day 1 (Afternoon): Led by artist and architect Prarthana Akhil, students expressed their view of nature by drawing elements of nature—fostering ecological imagination through visual storytelling.
Digital Content Creation
Day 2 (Afternoon): Older students learned how to plan, shoot, and edit 2-minute videos around themes of nature and sustainability. These digital creations were showcased in the final sharing session—allowing each child to take pride in their voice and creativity.
The day ended with group games and a sharing circle, reinforcing collaboration, friendship, and reflective learning.
Camp with a Cause: “Sustainability by Heart”
The camp also brought to life the broader mission of Art to Heart Institute titled “Sustainability by Heart.” The initiative focuses on:
- Developing soft skills through art-based education
- Building awareness of nature and sustainability in a hands-on, age-appropriate way
- Encouraging appreciation for Indian and global artistic traditions
- Teaching children to tell stories about their environment using video, music, and drawing
“We’re nurturing curiosity and compassion in the next generation—through art and appreciation,” explains Uma.
Meet the Instructors
Music: Uma Ranganathan is a vocalist, dancer, composer, and educator based in Oslo. Trained under luminaries like Smt. Gayathri Venkataraghavan, Shri Erode Nagaraj, and Smt. Jayalakshimi Eshwar, she brings decades of performance and teaching experience—and a deep passion for holistic learning.
Drawing Art: Prarthana Akhil is an experienced architect and visual artist with over 16 years in design. Her approach is grounded in creative exploration and intuitive expression, encouraging children to move beyond rigid art forms.
Yoga: Sannutha Jayaram is a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher (200hr + 85hr RYT) with a background in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. She has conducted workshops in both India and Norway, and brings a unique interdisciplinary energy to her yoga and content creation sessions.
Local Impact
This camp is part of a growing effort to blend cultural inclusion with youth mental wellness in the region. The event wrapped up with an informal showcase, where children proudly presented their artworks and videos to peers and parents.
Snippets from the event can be seen on Instagram via @arttoheartinstitute. High-resolution images and videos are available for editorial use.
A Local Initiative with a Global Vision
In a time where screens often replace stillness, and creativity is rushed or commercialized, this initiative rekindles simple yet powerful values—awareness, balance, and expression. The Art to Heart Institute aims to continue offering seasonal workshops and camps across the greater Oslo region.
“Let’s help children
find harmony between heritage and modernity—through music, mindfulness, and imagination,” says Uma.
Contact & Press Inquiries:
Art to Heart Institute – Development, appreciation and wellness Through Asian Arts
arttoheartinstitute@gmail.com
901 16 530
Day 1 highlights: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK-D5BvS1Tu/?igsh=MXAzYWFwNW9xMGxvZQ==
Day 2 highlights:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLDCpaKS8jJ/?igsh=MXJjbjBwbzE5cjg1Mw== Photos:
