ABERDEEN NEWS - Aberdeen artist Marguerite Beneke recently returned from a successful trip to Ilminster, England, where she presented two three-day workshops to art enthusiasts.
The local self-taught artist has a studio and showroom in Aberdeen and is well known for her exquisite fused glass creations of abstract, landscape and Karoo scenes.
Marguerite’s husband Pieter accompanied her to the countryside, and in true English fashion, the two were greeted by rain on arrival.
They were thrilled to see the lush green grass, coming from a hot and arid Karoo.Having previously taught in the corporate world of Pretoria, the now devoted Karoo artist had no trouble addressing a group of strangers.The regional accents of some of the pupils did, however, occasionally lead to some amusing anecdotes.
One woman from Spain, for example, asked a question, but due to a different emphasis in pronunciation there was confusion about “enamels” and “animals”.
After the courses, the Benekes were able to spend a few days as tourists and enjoyed some iconic fish and chips and Yorkshire pudding.
Beneke's work often features the Karoo, and has unique glass-infused features.
“This has been a wonderful opportunity to travel and meet people in the same industry,” Marguerite said.
In August the Benekes will head to Canada, where Marguerite will present three workshops at a studio in Ottawa. Several of the participants for the Ottawa workshops will be travelling from the United States, and there is already a waiting list for Marguerite’s classes.
Aberdeen is justifiably proud of this very talented resident, whose generous yet humble nature endears her to all she meets.
Budding artists from the UK and beyond attended Aberdeen artist Marguerite Beneke's workshops.
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