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’s Art & Design program offers a structured, multi-level curriculum in an intimate, small-group setting that encourages both individual growth and peer-to-peer learning. The Visual Arts track develops core competencies in methodology, material handling, and conceptualization—advancing from foundational drawing and painting to higher-level visualization, articulation, and exhibition practice. The Fashion & Textile Design track builds technical proficiency in sewing, sketching, embroidery, and garment construction, progressing toward integrated design projects. Both tracks emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and professional presentation, culminating in portfolio development that prepares students for college admissions, exhibitions, and 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.
In-house Art Exhibition Services
Kalaa artists enjoy opportunities to organize and present art shows as formal public exhibitions, including opening receptions and public talks. This service is provided to currently enrolled students and alumni. Kalaa organizes the annual art and design Exhibition for all the students to get the experience and pride in their achievements.
Community Outreach
Kalaa designers participate voluntarily in the program ‘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
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.
Highschool Volunteer
Middle School volunteers are needed during summer. High School volunteers are needed throughout the year. All Teen Staff Members will receive a 15% discount on their tuition bills. To receive this discount, the Teen Staff Members, including Volunteers, must work at least three hours per week.
Nidhi L Sharda, PhD
Founder
Hi, I’m Nidhi—an educator, researcher, design professional, and mother. I’ve dedicated my life to exploring the intersection of art, design, and learning, believing that creativity is not just a skill but a way of thinking and engaging with the world. In today’s fast-paced digital age, where attention spans are short and creativity is often reduced to fleeting icons, I believe in the transformative power of mindful, hands-on creative practice—whether it’s holding a paintbrush, an embroidery needle, or designing a garment.
Art and design have been my passions since my formative years. As a professional, I have infused my teaching with creative exploration inspired by traditional crafts, nature, culture, and contemporary social and environmental contexts. Over the past 15 years, I have served as a Professor of Design and Head of Department at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (India), mentoring undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students, guiding them not only in technical mastery but in critical thinking and conceptual development.
Driven by a desire to nurture the next generation of artists and designers, I founded Kalaa Art & Design Studio—a place where students can develop skills, explore creativity, and gain confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment. My mission is to help learners transform their passion into practice, their ideas into expression, and their creativity into opportunity.
