Hoekwil school's exhibit a success

GEORGE NEWS - An exhibition in the George Museum's Sayers Art Gallery of art works created by talented learners at Hoekwil Primary School was the culmination of the 2017 art programme put on by the teachers of the school.

Chairman of the South Cape Association of Visual Arts (Scava), Maura St.John, had high praise for the exhibition.

"We have witnessed something spectacular. Some of us visited time and time again to absorb the creativity and originality of these young pupils.

They ranged from Grade 2 to Grade 6 and their art was varied and inspiring in a variety of mediums and styles. These youngsters already excel," she said.

She noted that the headmaster, Flippie Grobbelaar, the teachers and parents of the learners are very involved in the children's art education and that Hoekwil Primary is believed to be the premier art producers in their field.

Although art is not on the school curriculum, it does play a major part in the lives of these children.

The head art teacher, Brenda Goosen, encourages her pupils to combine beauty with adventurousness and creativity in their art.

Although this was not a competition, one young pupil, Bonnie Arruda, was singled out for an award because of the intricate style she used to create her picture of a fish using only coloured pencils.

The special parents' night at the museum was the finale of this successful exhibition.

"The community of the Southern Cape would be advised to look out for their next art exhibition which will be quite a challenge, to try to better what they have already achieved," said St.John.

Maura St.John and Daan Roestoff, judge at the exhibition, with artwork by Grade 2 learners at Hoekwil Primary School.

Children's art
Childrens' art will feature prominently on the Scava 2018 calendar and St. John will be part of a team promoting children's exhibitions.

Scava is currently organising additional fundraising to ensure the continued existence of the recently initiated Bella Smith Children's Art Foundation.

The foundation will fund children's art prizes for various categories and age groups. The programme will be announced in March next year.

Any sponsors interested in donating to this worthy cause can contact St.John on 083 485 4177 or Karin Combrink, vice-chairman of Scava, on 079 029 3578 or karin@scava.co.za.