Photo Courtesy of Kathleen Brown

Newly annointed Dr. Sarwar Khan, FAR Founder/Director Karen Lukas and Maine College of Art (MECA) President Jim Baker after Dr. Khan received an honorary doctorate from MECA during their 2008 commencement.

Folk Arts Rajasthan evolved from an encounter in the heart of India's Thar Desert back in 1992. American painter/craftswoman Karen Lukas was walking through the small northwestern town of Jaisalmer when a young Indian man approached her. "I don't want to buy anything," she told him before he had spoken. "I just want to practice my English," he said, introducing himself as Sarwar Khan, a local drummer and artist. Ms. Lukas agreed and the two sat down for chai and a discussion of traditional folk arts.

They discovered that they shared a mutual passion for Rajasthani folk arts, music, and the artisans who kept these art forms alive. The conversation continued over the course of a week as Mr. Khan introduced Ms. Lukas to the local Merasi (musician) community of which he was an emerging leader. With each passing day, Ms. Lukas realized that the incredible richness of indigenous art existed in the destructive context of illiteracy, social marginalization, and crippling economic depression.

Both Ms.Lukas and Mr. Khan vowed to collaborate on an education and performance initiative encompassing folk arts preservation and artisan empowerment for the betterment of current and future Merasi gatekeepers.

In 1996, Mr. Khan formalized his work into Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan (LKSS), a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) [Reg. #16, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan]. Today the Folk Arts Society building (LKSS) houses traditional instruments and crafts. Sarwar Khan’s fossil collection and visionary art is installed inside. There is a concert hall for Music Merasi classes and rehearsals. A new Women’s Hall supports Fair Trade Folk Art Craft activities and provides additional space for traditional music and dance practice. An on-going scholarship program and women’s literacy tutorials have proudly evolved into Merasi School under Catie Whelan and Sarwar Khan’s tutelage.

In 2004, Ms. Lukas registered Folk Arts Rajasthan, Inc. as a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops ideas, implements, and funds LKSS's projects promoting traditional music, dance, crafts, and educational opportunities for the Merasi of Rajasthan, India. With FAR's support, LKSS has developed into a community hub that gives artists and their children a chance to live a life framed by hope and possibility.

In 2009 Folk Arts Rajasthan received its permanent 501(c)3 status. EIN# 20-202-5437.