Lucia Earle
Welcome to the 2nd quarter of 2013 and all that KACS (Knysna Arts & Crafts Society) has planned for this coming year! I sincerely hope that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the mostly wonderful weather that Knysna’s provided for us during the Easter Season.
Wishing everyone a wonderfully artistic year ahead after starting off with a fantastic effort for our Annual Members Exhibition. The selectors ensured us of a high standard and the small number of members who came out to support their Society and enjoy the party, made the event a great success. This was also greatly enhanced by Charles Levine, one of South Africa’s leading contemporary artists, who judged and spoke to us as our especially invited guests. He will be taking part in this year’s Site Specific Land Art Happenings 10-17 August.
This month was Knysna’s own Gordon Legg exhibition. With no less than 70 Solo Exhibitions, his remarkable background and his prolific contribution to the arts is an inspiration to us all. He has just a few works left on exhibit in the Front Room.
Please keep the Gallery’s Front Room in mind for displaying your artwork. There is only a 5% hanging fee for 10 paintings at a time. Commission on Sales reduced from 35% to 30%. This gives Members the chance to bring their work into these rooms without waiting for the ‘invitation’. We must continue to endeavour asking the questions of ‘Can you earn an income from your art?’, ‘do you dream of earning a living as an artist?’ and ‘do you want your hobby to become financially viable?’ If we do not partake in opportunities presented, we will never know.
In May, we hold our AGM when (hopefully) 7 new Committee members will be voted in. Please will members put someone forward.
Upcoming ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION … The other thing that rests on my heart is the Masizame Art Project. Since teaching up there, I see great potential in connecting this vibrant Art Centre with The Old Gaol Gallery and Art Society. Within Knysna’s very own underprivileged community there is a perfect opportunity to nurture and develop the future young Artists of Knysna, South Africa and The World, and give these children a running chance.
We have invited Beatrice, co-ordinator of the Masizame Art Centre and The Muse Factory, to Exhibit in the Front Room for our Art and Craft Exhibition coming up on 29 April. Beatrice will be happy to talk at the Crafter’s Opening too… We are working on projects (cards!) with the kids to sell and raise some money. Feel free to present your own ideas for Prints & Cards; Square works; Small works; Crafts etc. We have also extended an invitation to Neighbouring Art Societies to Exhibit and join as a society for a small fee. (Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay).
I feel so strongly that by ‘adopting’ or ‘sponsoring’ this project as a ‘Society’ that we will be creating an effective and intoxicating Art network and awareness amoungst the greater “Growing Art Buzz” of Knysna. The benefits are exponential. Members will have the opportunity to offer their time and expertise and ‘practice’ presentation of workshops and talks with these kids. They can also donate their old Art Materials, which are much needed and greatly appreciated. And of course, a donation box will help in general Upkeep and equipment too.
Having met with Arts And Culture Manager, Mr Xola Frans and his assistant Mandisa Litoyi, to present this idea to him: to look at keeping this thriving Masizame Initiative under our wing and running smoothly, it appears there is lots of support. He was great and gave us many connections and advice on what route to take. What we need to encourage in our society is an ongoing protocol of applying for annual Grants/funding and “Apprenticeships” of sorts. Also, there is a budget for an “ART WALK’ Brochure- please think about including your various Artists’ home studios and all other Art Centres further afield…
There are SO many possibilities..
David Hockney
I have been recently inspired by David Hockney’s Plein Air paintings. Have you seen his video? My great friend (and ‘maid-of-honour’ at our wedding) sent me a “New Artist Discovery” from London, click on this link – www.victoria-miro.com/exhibitions/_435. … And of course there’s the Grayson Perry tapestries too…
So, dear members and Knysna, there’s lots to look forward to! Let’s get fully back into the swing for the coming year as we strive for the ‘advancement of art’ in both our personal and collective endeavours.
Best regards,
Lucia Earle
Chairperson Knysna Arts & Crafts Society