Visual Expressions exhibit opens with creative flair

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - The South Cape Association of Visual Arts (Scava) officially opened this year’s Visual Expressions competition and exhibition in the Sayers Auditorium of the George Museum on Friday evening, 29 August.

It was a memorable evening filled with celebration, creativity, and a true sense of connection through art.

The competition was open to both Scava members and non-members aged 16 and older. This year, an impressive 67 artists entered with a total of 152 artworks, including seven students from the Inkcubeko Youth Science Centre.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Outeniqua High School Jazz Band entertained the packed auditorium with some soulful music.

Scava’s chairperson, Rene Scribante, thanked the panel of judges - Prof Elfriede Dreyer, Fawa Conradie and Juria le Roux - who undertook the challenging task of evaluating the artworks.

“Your discerning eyes and profound appreciation for the arts have ensured that the most outstanding pieces were honoured. Thank you to every artist who participated, ensuring the event’s success.”

The competition would also not have been possible without the generous sponsors, Attic Atelier (Gold sponsor), House of Bloom, The Little Art Shop and Artsavingsclub.

“Thank you for encouraging creativity and helping to shine a light on the visual arts. It means a lot to both the artists and to Scava,” said Scribante.

The opening event was packed.

The 2025 prize winners are:

Landscape/interior/seascape/urban landscape

• 1st: All has Purpose - Shania Heydon
• 2nd: Prince Albert, Late Afternoon - Ferdo Voigt
• 3rd: Landmark - Gerrit Jordaan
• Merit: Bo-Karoo - Mien Greyling; Boundless - Thelma Kahts

Floral/still life

• 1st: Stillewe - Brood - Johan Rabe
• 2nd: Still Life with Desert Landscape - Mien Greyling
• 3rd: Kaaimans Meditation 1 - Gerrit Jordaan
• Merit: Roses for You - Zanne Small

Portrait

• 1st: Ja meneer, ja mevrou - Natali Downing
• 2nd: I Said No - Cole Hay
• 3rd: Daily Walk - Mien Greyling
• Merit: Roxanne - Niki Saunders; Old Man - Susan Dekker

Abstract/experimental/3D

• 1st: Nature’s Matrix - Rosa Snyman Wessels
• 2nd: Drift - Theresa Pieters-Oldewage
• 3rd: Simme shelter - Marietha Smit

Animal/wildlife

• 1st: Delft into the Deep - Ferdo Voigt
• 2nd: Seekat I - Adri Botha
• 3rd: The Dinner Party - Brett Gendall
• Merit: Seekat II - Adri Botha

Rosa Snyman Wessels’ entry, Nature’s Matrix, won the first prize in the abstract/experimental/3D category.

Next on the programme
The exhibition continues with special events. On Saturday 6 September, Scava member Hein Botha will present a workshop on adding power and purpose to artworks through poetry.

This session will also serve as an introduction to the annual art and poetry event at the museum on Saturday 13 September.

Now in its third year, this collaboration between artists and poets has grown steadily. Poems will be written about selected artworks, performed by poets and later displayed alongside the pieces they were inspired by.

Both events are free of charge, and the public is warmly invited to attend.

Shania Heydon with her painting, All Has Purpose, that won first prize in the landscape division.