Artists gather in Edenvale to share their passion
The group has been in existence for 40 years and enjoys a membership of about 450.
One of the most active art clubs in the country, the Paint & Palette Group based in Edenvale, is arguably the largest social art group in Gauteng.
The group has been in existence for 40 years and enjoys a membership of about 450.
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Some have been members for the last 35 years.
The group can be considered a stepping stone into the world of art through friends, examples and experiences. The amateur is welcomed and encouraged and the professional enjoys never-ending learning.
Dorothy Goyns, who was described as “venturesome and ageless, with a positive attitude towards painting and sculpture,” was the founder of the group in 1973.
She and her friends committed themselves to regularly meet, paint together, do demonstrations for each other and share the knowledge they gained through their creative journey.
They welcomed like-minded artists into their circle. A year later it had grown to such an extent that they decided to formalise the group, thus the Paint & Palette Group was born.
Enough work was being produced, so in that same year they held their first exhibition in the Springs Church Hall, encouraging the inexperienced among them.
Dorothy’s intrepid stance and her sharing and giving nature permeated through the group. Although she died in 1988, her mindset has prevailed throughout the decades, thanks to the many committees that have held true to her vision and without whom the club would have died.
The success of the group is owed to the many well-known artists who have given demonstrations and shared their painting, marketing and teaching skills.
Demonstrations are organised every third Saturday of every month, with the exception of December, in the Edenvale Community Centre.
If a demonstration proved popular, a subsequent workshop is organised and there are three per year.
The fellowship of artists include amateur artists, professional artists, gallery owners, members of other art associations, picture framers, art material suppliers, art teachers, art school teachers/owners, retired artists and friends of artists.
There have even been three generations of a family who have been and still are members like Marisa Rees, her mother, Nel McKieth, who was a founder member, and her daughter, Kate Rees.
Aspiring artists and art enthusiasts are invited to join the monthly meetings.
For more information contact Moira Simonsen, the demonstrations coordinator for the group on 083 721 0516.
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