Surtal has been working on a unique photography and written word exhibition to show vibrant colours and life of the Normanton area in Derby. Here is the coverage of our artists working on the project in the newspaper (Derby Telegraph 30 October 09). More details on the exhibition and tour dates are on the home page.

Surtal Asian Arts was invited to Blue Peter's special Diwali Show to demonstrate Rangoli Art. Our Surtal Team had a brilliant day at BBC Studios and everyone was very helpful. The team also earned their Blue Peter badges for their hardwork :).

Our artist Nisha was responsible for designing and creating the Blue Peter Rangoli. It took her a full day to create the art and then did all the final touches on the show.

Nisha used lentils, beans, rice for the pattern and also used fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables to create this special artwork. Can you spot all of them here in the pictures.

Surtal are planning an evening show named Black and White (so the idea is to wear either black or white) dedicated to Micheal Jackson. This will be held on Friday the 13th November at the Joseph Wright College. (7pm-10:30pm approx) We are hoping to get a few performers but nothing has been confirmed as yet. Please contact us for more information. We will keep you posted.

During Summer, Surtal offered various arts and crafts workshops to keep the little ones (and the big ones) busy. Here are some of the pictures of what everyone got up to.

Nishi Madan at NHS Derby City / Surtal Asian Arts have recently been given an award at the Health and Social Care Awards 2009. Derby City PCT / Surtal Asian Arts were given this award in recognition of their work to raise the awareness of diabetes in Asian Community.

Surtal Asian Arts were commissioned by Derby City PCT to produce a bilingual play in which certain facts about diabetes, like symptoms, prevention and management, could be shown. This play was very well received in the community. To see photographs of our play "Gur nalo ishq mitha", please go to our past events.

Our Surtal Youth Dance Academy was invited to perform at "Day of Dance" at Sudbury Hall on 4th July 09. All the girls did a fantastic job. There was a solo Kathak performance by Nikita and then an energetic performance by all the girls on "desi girl".

The dance class that I attend every wednesday, is a great way to get your heart beating and body moving. It is packed with fun moves and perfection. I get taught by Nisha who is a really good teacher and makes the moves really easy to learn. I think that this dance class is a great way to spend few minutes.

Just a few lines to say "How very much I enjoyed my Sunday afternoon with you all". The 'Experience of Women in Art Day' was a great success and I think everyone who attended enjoyed it very much.

My henna tattoo reminds me of the pleasant time I enjoyed. I know my assosiate Merle, the DJ had a good experience too.

Jeanie