Kalaa Art & Design studio aims to develop a unique artistic voice, unlocking freedom of self-expression, and Designing. Extracurricular activities in the arts and Fashion design can show colleges and universities that you are well-rounded and understand the value of the arts in society. Creative pursuits can be very rewarding and even stress-reducing throughout your academic journey.
More and more schools are looking into hand dexterity abilities apart from your perfect score in your academia. For many, it would be a place to sharpen their artistic creativity, but for many others “Kalaa” would be a moderator to bring out a hidden artist or designing ability from within, in an unexpected way in which, they were oblivious so far! It provides a field to nurture an ability to become efficient in certain skills that require high precision, hand-eye coordination, and application of fine motor skills.
Studio Overview
Kalaa offers a structured, multi-level curriculum delivered in intimate, small-group settings to balance individual mentorship with peer collaboration. We offer two specialized tracks:
Visual Arts: Students master the journey from foundational drawing and material handling to advanced conceptualization, visualization, and exhibition practice.
Fashion & Textile Design: A technical progression through sketching, sewing, embroidery, and garment construction, culminating in integrated design projects.
Both tracks are rooted in a scientific and critical thinking approach, focusing on professional presentation and portfolio development. Our curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for college admissions, gallery exhibitions, and future industry opportunities.
Kalaa Nova: Annual Showcase & Awards
Our signature event celebrates student creativity through art exhibitions, fashion showcases, and an award ceremony. Kalaa Nova is a platform to recognize achievements, build confidence, and launch budding artists and designers into the spotlight.
It is not only a showcase of skills, but a launchpad for budding artists and designers.
Professional Exhibition & Public Presentation
We provide students and alumni with a professional platform to showcase their vision through our signature annual event, Kalaa Nova: Art Exhibition. This formal exhibition allows artists to experience the full creative cycle—from organizing public galleries and opening receptions to delivering artist talks. By transforming the studio into a public forum, Kalaa Nova instills a sense of pride and professional achievement, giving our students the real-world exposure needed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the creative industry.
Community Outreach
Kalaa designers participate voluntarily in the program Senior Center and ‘Dress a Girl Around the World’. is a Campaign under Hope 4 Women International (a 501 (c) 3 organization) bringing dignity to women around the world since the year 2006. It is a good opportunity for students to contribute to the community and to be aware of lives that have not privileged like most of us are.
Art Contests
Kalaa artists are provided various opportunities to participate in and present their artwork or Design concepts to various local, national, and international contests. Our students have won various art competitions viz; Alemeda Art Contest, Pleasanton Art League, Livermore Art contest, National Reflection art contest, etc.
Art Blog
Kalaa artists are provided a digital platform to publish their narrative skills through blogs. I would love to encourage and would like to publish an art blog authored by kids talking about their artwork, critique, and inspiration. The blog is published on the website and is a good way for creative minds to express their understanding of the art and the process involved in creating their work. It is an integrated and holistic approach to skill development that showcases their creative literary abilities interjected with art.
Art & Fashion Design Portfolio
We can help students prepare effectively portraying their multi-dimensions, for their college applications. At our studios, students can fully conceptualize and develop, both digital and hard-copy portfolios to enhance all college applications.
This program emphasizes our specialized, multi-year Portfolio Course.
Let us know if your kid is interested in architecture, design, visual communication, graphic arts, fine arts, fashion, animation and gaming, liberal arts, Life science, Science, and/or engineering.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
At Kalaa Art & Design Academy, we believe in turning creative skill into real-world leadership.
We offer a dedicated professional development space for our talented high school students to serve as Camp Ambassadors and Teaching Assistants. These roles allow students to move beyond the canvas, developing essential skills in mentorship, communication, and project management.
By taking on these responsibilities, our young creatives demonstrate a high level of maturity and technical proficiency, building a robust portfolio that showcases not just their artistic talent, but their ability to lead and inspire within a professional academic environment.
Nidhi L Sharda, PhD
Founder| Pedagogue | Sustainability Strategist
Dr. Nidhi Sharda embodies a rare synthesis of aesthetic mastery and scientific inquiry. With a career spanning over 25 years—most notably as Professor and Head of Department at the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), India—she has dedicated her life to the rigorous intersection of material science and design excellence.
Her creative philosophy is anchored in a Ph.D. from the University of Delhi (Faculty of Science), where her doctoral research pioneered advancements in sustainable coloration and ecological textile systems. A prolific contributor to the global academic discourse, Dr. Sharda’s findings on natural pigments and environmental responsibility have been curated and presented in leading peer-reviewed international journals and high-level global forums.
For the last decade, Dr. Nidhi Sharda has translated her deep academic expertise into a transformative educational experience at Kalaa Art & Design. More than an art instructor, she cultivates a professional, interdisciplinary temperament in the next generation of creators, bridging the gap between artistic expression and STEM-focused design.
Dr. Sharda’s pedagogy transcends the canvas; she emphasizes the visualization, representation, and articulation of art as essential tools for the future. By integrating digital blogging and reflective inquiry, she empowers students to document and explain their creative process—transforming raw passion into a purposeful, eco-conscious practice. Through this synthesis of ancestral craft and modern innovation, she prepares young minds to stand at the vanguard of environmental ethics and sophisticated, future-ready design.
