Antara Work Therapy Products

Occupational (work) therapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process for both men and women recovering from mental illness, alcoholism or drug addiction. 

For Antara, the sale of arts, crafts, textiles and agricultural produce provides a self-sufficient and sustainable way of generating vital income to subsidise the treatment of their poorer patients.

'F of A UK' sells a number of Antara's "Work Therapy Products" with profits going directly to the 'Children's Fund' which ensures child patients can receive free or subsidised inpatient or outpatient care.

Cards

Cards are made in Antara's Art and Craft work therapy department. Many designs reflect aspects of life in West Bengal – its rural and urban environment, its people and its culture. They are often drawn from memories of past experience and reflect positive images of hope, peace, beauty and friendship – qualities of life with a heightened significance for many of Antara’s patients.

Printed Cards

Due to popular demand, these six designs have been selected for printing.
(Size: 12.5 x 17.5 cm, 5 x 7.25 in. All colour. Blank inside.)

‘Kolkata’ (code 001)

You can almost smell the monsoon rains! An auto-rickshaw weaves its way through the streets of Kolkata. 

‘Ganesh’ (code 002)

The image of the well loved Hindu God – bringer of good fortune - is almost as familiar in the west as in India itself.

‘Ganesh - Yellow’ (code 003)

A variation on the theme, Ganesha - the bringer of good fortune

‘Mahila’ (code 004)

These Bengali ladies are dressed up for a ‘puja’ (festival) - a time for expressing friendship.

‘Mother and son' (code 005)

These two Bengali figures are also dressed up for the puja (festival).

‘Bay of Bengal’ (code 006)

The mighty Ganges flows through the heart of West Bengal. Fishing is an important part of life along the delta.

Hand Painted Cards

Most of our cards are hand painted using a real diversity of images and techniques. While we cannot guarantee that the cards you receive will be identical to those here, you can rest assured that each with be beautiful and unique. Please indicate any specifications on your order form and we will do our best to meet your requirements.

‘Rural and Village Scenes (code 007)

A recurrent theme for a number of artists is the beauty and tranquillity of the Bengali countryside. 

 

‘Flowers and Birds’ (code 008)

Natural beauty is a popular theme for the artists, drawing on either native or other flora,including the famous lotus flowers.

 

‘Spray Designs’ (code 009)

A light and cheerful effect is created for a number of designs

‘Black and White or Stylised’ (code 010)

Various themes including Indian goddesses, figures and the landscape are stylised.

Textiles

Antara's textiles department has received assistance from the National Jute Diversification Programme allowing them to train both recovering patients and local women living below the poverty line in the production of jute products. Jute is a natural fibre which grows in the wet delta lands of West Bengal and Bangladesh and it has been an integral part of Bengali culture for centuries.

As well as jute products, Antara's textiles department creates hand-painted fabrics and saris.

Jewellery

Antara's jewellery is created in its arts and crafts department and is a popular occupation and vocational skill amongst women and girls recovering from illness. The jewellery is hand-made.