Our Story | ARTONE Institute

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Artone short story & Revival process

The Story of ARTONE: A Legacy Rekindled

In the calm corners of Padinjarathara, sometime around 1983–84, a quiet spark of creativity began to glow. In a small local library, a young and passionate artist known as Thambi Master—newly moved to Wayanad to join his new job—started something simple yet profound: an art tuition class.

Armed with little more than pencils, paper, and a sense of purpose, he began offering lessons to those who dared to dream in color and shape. These modest sessions soon became more than just classes. They grew into a sanctuary for young minds, a place where imaginations took flight and hands learned to speak the language of art.

As word spread and the passion grew, the group outgrew the little library and moved to Mananthavady, the nearest town. There, the informal tuition evolved into something larger. The Officially named the venture ARTONE, the center became a vibrant space for artistic expression—drawing in like-minded people, mentors, and dreamers, all within rented classrooms and humble studios.

Later, ARTONE moved to Dwaraka, a budding academic hub, where it found new energy among parallel and tutorial colleges like Sunny and Unni College. With enrollment growing, the team shifted again—this time the team made a shed in a rustic coffee estate near 4th Mile—only to eventually return to Mananthavady, for better accessibility near the new bus stand.

But growth came with challenges. Leadership gaps and financial strains ultimately forced ARTONE to close its doors.

Yet, the spirit of ARTONE never faded.

It remained alive in the hearts of students, artists, and the wider creative community. Over the years, ARTONE sculpted more than just artists. It nurtured a generation of thinkers, educators, and cultural contributors—people who would go on to impact lives far beyond Wayanad. From galleries to schools, studios to social projects, the echoes of ARTONE’s impact continue to ripple outward.

ARTONE was never just a school.
It was a movement.
A cultural spark.
A sanctuary of creative awakening.

And now, like the mythical phoenix, ARTONE rises once more.

Under a new leadership team and with renewed purpose, ARTONE is preparing to open its doors again—rooted in its legacy but reimagined for a new generation. With bold vision and community support, this rebirth seeks to empower artists, educators, and dreamers once again.

We invite you to be a part of this journey.
Come, reimagine the future with us.
Let us together shape a space that will inspire generations to come.

Brief ARTONE History: Where Creativity Found Its First Home

The Journey of ARTONE : Pictures of Founder Thambi Master and some locations

"AKSHARAM TUTION CENTER Mysore Rd MANANTHAVADY"

"Our last location in the in the town "

Artone's final location in the the town of Mananthavady, we are very grateful for Sunil Ji's Aksharam Tuition Center located, Mysore road, Mananthavady, with out his generous help we will not be able to open today's permanent space

The process of Reviving ARTONE: A Movement to Reclaim Creativity, Culture, and future Humanity

We are Rebuilding it with full faith.

Why Reviving ARTONE Matters Now More Than Ever!

We don’t just need another school.
We need a creative sanctuary — one that leads with imagination and compassion.

Reviving ARTONE is not just reopening a building.
It’s about reclaiming something vital:
our creativity, our culture, and our connection to one another.

The Need is Urgent

Wayanad is a land rich in tribal heritage, farming communities, and natural beauty. Yet, despite over 300 schools, we still lack:

Trained art and craft educators from our own communities
Affordable creative education
A space that nurtures storytelling, expression, and imagination

And now, post-pandemic, our children face a new challenge —
They are growing up in a world of screens, algorithms, and AI.
But these tools cannot teach patience, cannot spark empathy, cannot ignite imagination.

Without art, we risk raising a generation disconnected from what makes us human.

We Need More Than Information. We Need Inspiration.

Our children deserve:

Brushes instead of just touchscreens
Clay and color alongside code
Stories that reflect their roots and futures
A space to create, not just consume

Art education is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

How Do We Revive ARTONE?

It started with a spark:
A small WhatsApp group called the ARTONE Revival Group — started by new founder, with former students, teachers, artists, and local change-makers.
All agreed on one truth:
Wayanad can’t wait any longer.

So we began building a vision —
Not just to reopen ARTONE,
but to reimagine it as a living, breathing creative campus.

A place where:

🎨 Every brushstroke becomes a voice
🗿 Every sculpture becomes a conversation
🌈 Every color connects past to future

The Mission: A New Kind of Learning Space

ARTONE will be a creative sanctuary — a campus where education happens through:

✨ Hands-on exploration
📖 Storytelling & cultural exchange
🤝 Collaboration & community building
🎨 The joyful act of making

This is more than a revival —
It’s a movement to restore values we’ve lost:

Creativity
Empathy
Identity
Courage

Because Wayanad Deserves It. Our Children Deserve It.

Let’s shape not just skilled minds,
but creative hearts — rooted in tradition and ready to imagine a better tomorrow.

ARTONE is that space.
And together, we will bring it back to life.

Now We Need Your Support .

To bring ARTONE back to life, we are calling on all who believe in the power of art, education, and community.

We welcome all forms of support:
👩‍🏫 Educators
🎨 Artists and mentors
🤝 Volunteers
🧱 Materials and resources
💡 Ideas
💸 Donations — big or small

Let us join hands to revive ARTONE —
Not just as a school, not just as a village project —
But as a living campus for creativity, community, and project-based learning that can become a model replicable across the world.

Together, let’s shape a new generation — not just of skilled thinkers, but of inspired hearts. Rooted in tradition. Ready for tomorrow.

The time is now.
Let’s build this — together.

SUPPORT US

Gallery of Revival Moments

Witness the passion, teamwork, and dedication that went into rebuilding ARTONE at its new home in Paingatery.
This is more than just a construction — it’s the rebirth of a dream.

Explore the full story in Gallery25.