GEORGE NEWS - The wall and substation along Station Road in Wilderness are sporting a brand-new look thanks to the creativity of a 17-year-old street artist, Kaelyn Haffern.
Kaelyn, a learner of Glenwood House, approached George Municipality and the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA), offering her time and talent towards beautifying some of the building exteriors on Station Road leading to Leentjiesklip beach.
"Wilderness is such a beautiful place, and I felt the buildings around and in it needed to reflect the natural beauty," said Kaelyn. "Art not only brings people together but also impacts the mood of a person walking past."
"I wanted to try to make Wilderness a brighter place. Painting makes me happy and watching the impact art can have on the people around it, is really moving. I wanted to give back to the beautiful place I call home and help others appreciate it as much as I do."
Kaelyn's artistic journey began at the age of six, under the guidance of renowned artist Arabella Leggat in Johannesburg. The family relocated to Wilderness in 2022.
In 2018 Kaelyn created a whale-themed calendar with artwork that was sold in a Plettenberg Bay whale safari shop, to raise awareness about whale poaching.
Kaelyn won the runner-up award in the Wildlife Conservation Schools Art Challenge with this painting. Her work was showcased at the Wilderness Art Festival in April this year.
Kaelyn is passionate about community building and has a strong commitment to environmental causes, participating in the Wildlife Conservation Schools Art Challenge where she was the runner-up.
Her winning submission was showcased at the Wilderness Art Festival in April this year.
Exploring various artistic media is Kaelyn's forte, and she is excited to bring her street art-inspired creativity to the George municipal initiative.
Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt was thrilled about Kaelyn's offer to upgrade the look of the wall and substation along Station Road.
Kaelyn Haffern (left), Jemma Kelly, Cllr Marlene Barnardt, Susan Burger (WRRA) and Joletta Eichweber (WRRA).
"The road takes a lot of traffic to Leentjiesklip and is incredibly busy during season," said Barnardt.
"Upgrading it is definitely adding some holiday zing!
If you haven't taken a drive on Station Road in the last week, please do so! And take a look at what can be achieved by people who take the initiative to actually be the change they want to see in our beautiful Wilderness village!
Hard at work at the substation.
Barnardt thanked Director of Human Settlements, Planning and Development, Lauren Waring for assisting Kaelyn through the municipal approval processes required by the Visual Arts Management Policy, as well as Susan Burger of the WRRA who arranged for the sponsorship of the paint.
Follow Kaelyn's artistic adventures on Instagram @ArtByKae.h
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