Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) is one of the classic and renowned institutions that offer academics in Fine Arts. The only Academy for Fine Arts in Mysore, CAVA offers courses in painting, sculpture, graphics, applied art, photography and photojournalism and history of art. V. A. Deshpande is the Dean of the institution. CAVA is affiliated to the University of Mysore for the courses offered and governed by the Board of Studies and Board of Examination at the University. It awards degrees in Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Housed in the heart of the city within the Chamarajendra Technical Institute building complex on Sayyaji Rao Road, the institute has promoted art and provided education to thousands for over 25 years.

CAVA is administered by the Department of Kannada and Culture and is the only school for Fine Arts supported by the State Government. A majority of the student population at CAVA come from rural and semi - urban backgrounds and hail from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. While some students come with experience in signboard painting and traditional sculpting, few are diploma holders in drawing and commercial artists. A small portion of the lot also belongs to artisan families and rural culture.

History:
In 1906, the Maharaja of Mysore Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV started the Chamarajendra Technical Institute (CTI) under the Chairmanship of Sir. M. Visweswaraiah. CTI was dedicated to Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar and the foundation stone of the building was laid by George V of the United Kingdom. Construction of the elaborate structure built at a cost of Rs. 2.5 lakhs was completed in 1913.

CTI offered courses in Fine Arts, along with other technical courses. Wood and stone carving, metal casting, ivory carving, inlay, welding, painting and various branches of Fine Arts were part of the curriculum. However, the courses offered were limited to the status of being “certificate courses”. Following the recommendations of the Committee headed by the prominent Russian Painter Svetoslav Roerich, the Fine Arts division was branched out from CTI and renamed as CAVA by the Government of Karnataka in 1982. CAVA was established on the lines of the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai with Prof. V. M. Sholapurkar as the founder Dean.

Visual Arts:
Someone aptly said "Anyone who says you can't see a thought simply doesn't know art".

Art, with its many facets has invariably been the medium of reflection — of imagination, expression and timeless beauty, although its dimensions have seen tremendous change, diversity and expansion over the decades. Modern and contemporary Indian art has become a major focus in the international art scene. Indian art has gone from success to success, beating record prices time and again not only in the country but also in numerous art capitals of foreign countries.

India is home to some of the choicest schools and colleges of Fine Arts. Shantiniketan, The Maharaja Sayyaji Rao University of Baroda, National Institute of Design and Sir J. J. School of Art are widely famed and truly worth a mention. The art and culture of Mysore that flourished under the patronage of the Maharajas has few parallels in history. One such enterprise that emerged during the Maharajas' regime and stands symbol is the Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA). An institution offering courses in Visual Arts, CAVA has produced stalwarts who are today prominent for being among the best in their field of expertise. They are acclaimed not only at national but international levels as well.

We are congratulating CAVA for completing 25 glorious years of service.

What CAVA offers….
CAVA offers a five year course in six disciplines namely Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, Applied Art, Photography and Photojournalism and History of Art, all leading to a BFA degree. Commencing from the academic year 2002 - 03, the institution also offers post - graduate MFA courses in Painting, Graphics and Sculpture. Each discipline is administered through a dedicated department.

Department of Painting:
Brushes, colours and canvas voice the feelings and emotions in this department, where students express through their works of art. The sketches and paintings are regularly displayed in the CAVA gallery. Activities at the department also include workshops and discussions.

Department of Sculpture:
Sculptures have mesmerized us from times immemorial. The stone carvings and sculptures in our ancient temples remind us time and again, the immense beauty and joy that art can bring forth. The department of sculpture creates sculptors whose thoughts come through in all shapes and sizes. Emotions see expression in clay, stone, metal, fibre, cement, plaster and paper.

Department of Graphics:
Exploring every facet of print making is the department of graphics. Print making with colours are shown on litho, stone, lino and zinc plates through etching on them. A unique approach to art running through many different lines of creativity.

Department of History of Art:
Taking us back in time through the study of documents, paintings, sculptures and literature, this department explores the history of art and architecture. Investigating our civilization and retracing the path that art has tread, encourages new and vivid creations by the students.

Department of Applied Art:
There probably isn't a single soul who has not heard of Mickey Mouse or has been appalled by an advertisement. Animation and advertisement are among the brightest stars in the world of technology. With the trend fast catching up, there is need for fresh and innovative ideas and creativity in abundance. The department of applied art sets out to fulfill this requirement. Assignments in the applied art include campaigns, illustrations, logos, rendering and numerous other aspects. Regular discussions on new trends in the field and frequent visits to the press to learn methods of printing make this field much sought after. There is ample opportunity for students to earn while they learn, as some students also work in advertising agencies creating illustrations and logos.

Department of Photography and Photo Journalism:
A picture speaks a thousand words. With glamour and glitterati ruling the entertainment industry, and with shrewd journalists making a go, passion for photography is on the rise. Budding photographers and photojournalists are highly enthusiastic to pursue a career in these areas. First of its kind in the country, the department of photography and photojournalism, with a studio facility, is a one – stop - shop where students master still life, fashion and advertising photography. They also learn the art of black and white photography and printing in the dark room. Most students are already racing ahead of time in their professions. Seminars, mock press, assignment discussions and a weekly journal “The Eye” are the regular activities at the department.

Courtesy: Star of Mysore