As a outcome of the Other Academy Art Appreciation Workshop held in Polonnaruwa (Link)  a read weaving workshop was organized by Theertha for artists to engage in understanding  and learning craft of reed weaving.   Held under the tutolage of award winning and veteran craft artist Somawathi living in Polonnaruwa the workshop became a palace where the artists learned the basics of reed weaving for 5 days. 

The 60 year old craft artist Somawathi was a participant in the Other Academy Art Appreciation Workshops held in Polonnaruwa in 2003 where she learned from the artists about the contemporary art practices. Her enthusiasm in seeking new knowledge and collaboration led to teaching artists her own art skills in reed weaving.  There was a role change where the resource people and artists of the Other Academy art appreciation workshop were taught reed weaving by the 60-year-old participant Somawathie.  Number of discussions were held by the artists as craft artists from Somawathi’s apprentices as to the idea of art and how contemporary art ideas can be incorporated to reed art produced by the traditional reed weaving techniques and forms. 

The workshop discussions and overall enthusiasm by the craft artists and participating artists of the reed workshop led to an exhibition ‘ Arte Curioso’ organized at Theertha Red Dot Gallery that used reed in making curious art objects.  The  craft items produced by the craft artists from Somawathi’s art studio were given to artists from Theertha to work further to transform into unique art objects.