Local artists hard at work for "Under a Karoo Sky" exhibition

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Curators of the ‘Under a Karoo Sky’ exhibition that opens on August 26 at the Nieu-Bethesda Sports Club, are thrilled at the exciting works that are beginning to stream in for this event!

Works of a high standard are being submitted, smelling of turpentine, glistening with juicy brushstrokes, some with ‘wet paint’ stickers still attached. All work that is being hung is newly created and fits the theme of life and landscape under a Karoo sky.

Some of the artists participating this year are Marge Arnott, Mel Houseman and Shirley Grindley of Graaff-Reinet and Nikki Thompson of Middelburg, who sensitively paint Karoo landscape with a feminine touch. Raymond Westraadt and Joanne Reen have both lived in the village - Raymond’s precise, architectural works make for striking viewing while Joanne’s impressionistic, atmospheric work is a treat for the eye.

Janet Kingwill and Sarie Reynolds both hail from the Murraysburg district and both capture Karoo life with delightful expression, colour and texture. The village is not short of professional artists and it will be exciting to see what Albert Redelinghuys and David Langmead (painters), Charmaine and Martin Haines (ceramicists) and Frans Boekkooi (a sculptor) have to offer.

Other villagers participating are Jacques Muller, Sarina Engelbrecht, Ansie Snyman, Bronwen Langmead, Alpha Greeff, Dirkje Louw and Anja Gerryts who all vary in style and medium.

There are also photographic pieces by Robert Kingwill and newcomer to Nieu-Bethesda, Lorian Page. This exhibition offers something for everyone with prices ranging from affordable artwork to investment pieces.

An exhibition such as this one is special in that it showcases the talent of artists in a small geographical area. With spring arriving, what better time to purchase a new artwork and to invest in the talent of our Karoo artists?

The exhibition opens on Saturday 26 August at 6pm at the Sports Club in Nieu-Bethesda. As always, Karoo hospitality will be in abundance as the Club catering ladies provide delectable canapes. A cash bar will be available and the evening promises to be filled with creative excellence, Karoo hospitality and community spirit. Feel free to contact Andoret Wolfaardt on 078 466 0398 for more information.