(Pic: One of the attractive necklace designs on the exhibition)Andrew Verster and Hlengiwe Dube design unique range of beaded jewellery.
The African Art Centre was established 50 years ago as a centre which promotes and develops the work of both artists and crafters, primarily from KwaZulu-Natal but also from the rest of the South Africa. Since its inception, the Centre has been instrumental in implementing sustainable development projects and programmes which impart new skills and extend on the skills that already exist within the craft communities of both urban and rural KZN.
“2010 Football fever has hit the African Art Centre and we believe that the forthcoming 2010 World Cup and 450,000 expected visitors will offer the craft industry in South Africa with considerable opportunities,” says Sharon Crampton of the African Art Centre. “In anticipation of this once in a lifetime event, crafters supported by the African Art Centre have expanded and extended on the range of products they produce in an attempt to yield optimum economic benefits. A variety of 2010 inspired items, richly invested with individual skill, dedication and ability representing considerable product diversity will be on exhibition at the African Art Centre from April 21.”
A highlight of the exhibition will be a unique range of beaded jewellery especially designed by artist and designer Andrew Verster and the African Art Centre’s bead expert Hlengiwe Dube. Items include bracelets and necklaces which incorporate contemporary colours and trends combined with traditional Zulu bead-making design and technique. The range of jewellery items on exhibition were created by a group of 20 crafters who attended a Development Workshops facilitated by Hlengiwe Dube at the African Art Centre in March 2010. The workshop aimed at developing new skills and techniques, product development and encouraged the production of works of high quality and originality.
Craft items on display will include a fascinating and colourful range of 2010 related items including beautifully beaded and painted Vuvuzelas, Makarapas (traditional soccer headgear), painted gumboots and clogs, beaded soccer players, bags and embroideries. The bags and embroideries on exhibition were produced at a workshop facilitated by Leonie Malherbe to a group of 10 crafters.
Mrs. Weziwe Thusi, MEC of The MEC of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation will open the exhibition at 17h30 on April 21. The opening will include a performance by the KwaNyuswa Homeboys Isicathamiya Music Group. The exhibition is sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund
The African Art Centre is situated at 94 Florida Road, Morningside. Contact 031 312 3805 or email: africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za
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