A Garden Route branch of Art to the People was formed, with the idea of having art in coffee shops to educate people about art. "That's important for developing an audience," said National Coordinator Brian Towsen. "Community shop" art galleries play an important role in the careers of most artists - often a coffee shop will be the first venue to show an artist's work. In doing so, they provide artists with the validation of seeing their work hanging on walls, and displayed to an audience that is far more diverse than the one attracted to posh galleries.
"We support emerging and established local artists. We are also dedicated to creating programmes that help cultivate artists as well as art audiences, and hope to serve as a catalyst for art and town revitalisation. The new galleries' roll-out started in June and the response from the local community has been inspiring. Georgians are welcome to visit the first 5 of 12 galleries to open in the Garden Route."
Current galleries include Caloroso, Travel Bugs, Meade Café and La Patisserie. For more information on Art to the People - Garden Route, (Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, George, Oudtshoorn, De Rust and Prince Albert) contact - Brian Towsen at or Peter Delaney 082 341 1601 or visit www.arttothepeople.co.za.
Response to the Art to the People art exhibition at his shop has been positive, said Caloroso Cafe owner, Kelvin Appelgren (centre). Apart from giving exposure to local artists, the works also give warmth and colour to his coffee shop. With him are Joseph Leeu and Cindy Hlokomayo.
