GEORGE NEWS - Bella Smith, who played a leading role in the establishment of the local arts society, was keen right up to the end of her life to ensure that the children of this region are afforded the opportunity to get tuition in art.
For this reason Bella, who was the founding secretary of the South Cape Association of Visual Arts (Scava), left a heart-warming legacy.
She bequeathed R20 000 to Scava for the benefit of the Young Artists competitions and expressed the hope that other benefactors would match her gesture.
Her husband Ken Smith, who stepped down as chairman last year after holding this position for many years, said in a tribute, "Bella was the rock on which the entire scene of visual arts changed in the Southern Cape over the past ten years.
Whilst not being a practicing artist, she had dealt in art at the highest level and perceived the need for an art club to be formed in George, later to become Scava.
Her determination, administrative skills and good humour won over the hearts of many, including the Strydom Gallery, who helped her to form Scava as a branch of the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (Sanava)."
Bella joined the committee of the Friends of George Library, and was a founder member of Friends of the George Museum. She was instrumental in rejuvenating the Sayers Hall in the George Museum, to huge benefit of the community. She was a well-loved member of George Bowls Club, Moth, and the South African Air Force Association.
Bella Smith, a driving force in the local art society (Scava) passed away recently. She is remembered for her enthusiastic support of the society. With her are her husband, Ian (left) and their dear friend, John Bennett (right).
Bella loved being with the young learners of George.
On many occasions she bought and presented small prizes when local schools visited the museum for informal art classes arranged through the education authorities and aided by Scava. She attended many learner functions and presented prizes.
Bella freely gave of herself to the community and worked tirelessly as a way of saying thank you to all Georgians who had welcomed her to this wonderful part of the world.
Born in 1934, Bella excelled at school and college and worked as a professional administrator in England, Germany, Canada and the USA. Her tennis, cycling and general sports skills were of a high standard.
"Above all Bella was a great wife, friend and mother, being the matriarch of four children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren," said Ken.
She was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer on Friday 15 September and requested to be with her family in the United Kingdom for her passing. She was admitted into hospital in England on Saturday
23 August and came home with pallative care on the following Saturday.
Bella passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband and daughter on Tuesday 3 October.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Young Artists Competitions fund can contact Karin Combrink on 082 941 4574 or at kala@scava.co.za.
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