NASHUA ART IN THE PARK

The 2010 version of the country’s largest outdoor art selling exhibition – Nashua Art in the Park - boasts a truly national, and indeed international, character with artists from across the country some SADC countries participating. This year’s exhibition from June 2-7 features 55 artists chosen by a selection committee that turned away close to a 70 artists in a stringent validation of entries.

Staged under a grove of London Plane trees on the banks of the Msunduzi River in Alexandra Park, the 48th edition is represented by artists from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the Free State, and from north of our borders. The representative mix is attributed to several factors, not least the picturesque venue and legendary ambience wrought by the splendour of autumn, fires at night, sherry and an inventive entertainment programme.

Possibly more significant is the commercial imperatives of the event that last year would have seen a fifth consecutive sales record being established, had it not been for the economic recession. Whether the Pietermaritzburg Tourism organisers will top the 2008 record of R2,3 million remains to be seen, but Pietermaritzburg Tourism director Melanie Veness is upbeat and believes that the scope and quality of work on show will be a huge drawing card.

“Nashua Art in the Park has matured into one of the country’s premier selling exhibits, and we’re confident that the sales realised this year will be a very good reflection of the art on show,” she said.

This year’s event features two developmental artists, while the participation of Ixopo-based painter Mat Louwrens who is exhibiting for an unprecedented 31 years. Renowned for his work in acrylic, oil and watercolours, Mat has attained international recognition for his unique paintings done in sand.

An extensive programme of music throughout the exhibition, and catering by the Nederduitsch Hervormde Gemeente will add to the bonhomie.

A nominal R10 entrance fee will be levied with children under 12 allowed in free. Plenty of free parking will be available in Kershaw Park and visitors are urged to make use of this parking entered via Alan Paton Avenue, and to use the historic O’Brien footbridge for pedestrian access. A nominal fee of R5 will be charged for parking within the park, adjacent to the site. No pets, except guide dogs, will be allowed into the exhibition, but prior arrangement must be made with the organisers.

The exhibition is open from 10h00 to 20h00 Wednesday to Saturday (09h00 to 16h00 on Sunday). Contact Pietermaritzburg Tourism on 033 345 1348.