A unique institute for sculpture and other handicrafts training, the C E Kamath Institute for Artisans was established in the year in the year 1997 at Kariya Kallu near Karkala. Later, it was decided to have a full fledged campus at Miyar village of Karkala taluk, Udupi district to serve large number of aspirants.
Accordingly, a four-acre plot at Miyyar near Karkala was bought to set up a campus at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore. The institute, which initially started with wood/stone carving training, has now been extended to metal works and terracotta training units.
The institute imparts training in the 'gurukula' method. The selected candidates are provided free boarding and training in the field of their choice for a period of 18 months in wood/stone carving and metal crafts and 6 months in case of terracotta at the institute. On successful completion of the training interested trainees can start their own enterprise.
It is a matter of pride that there are talents emerged from the institute achieving national accolade and also most of the successful trainees have been gainfully employed. This training centre is reflective of the cultural richness of Karkala which is famous for stone carvings since ages.
Also, the sculptures/artefacts/terracotta items/metal work here available for sale and also proposed buyers can place order by visiting the institute. There is a display room which houses lot of eye-catching items including wooden items like temple chariot, dancing Nataraja, Shantala etc, stone products such as Karkala's famous Bahubali, Lord Krishna, metal work including that of Lord Buddha, terracotta items like lamp shades, Yakshagana models, etc.
The mud for terracotta is treated for several days in huge tanks and then used for work, while metal work require lot of preparation. The stone is rightly available in Karkala itself.
The institute's aim is to work towards conservation of traditional arts, which is now on the verge of extinction, by ensuring that artisans need not depend on others for jobs.