Bringing a uniquely local Christmas to Karaglen

Karaglen Shopping Centre has added a uniquely South African twist to its Christmas celebrations this year.

This year, Karaglen enlisted the help of three local artists to decorate the centre and bring festive cheer to shoppers in the days leading up to Christmas.

“We could not think of a better way to emphasise the talents that lie within our community,” said Harry Karamichael, managing director of Karaglen.

The crafts displayed at the centre vary from wire Christmas trees to beaded stars, angels and baubles.

Genius Fernando, a Zimbabwean-born wire artist living in Edenvale, created many of the hanging ornaments in the centre, including angels, stars and bells.

He said by supporting local, everyone in the community has the opportunity to change the lives of someone running a small business.

“I loved collaborating with Karaglen and I also love that people are starting to support local. We need to encourage more people to look towards local artists and crafters during this festive season,” said Fernando.

Other artists who collaborated to bring the centre to life over Christmas included Steven Nyanzira, based in Crafters Den in Edenvale, who created beaded décor for the large Christmas trees, and Abi Strachan of CBC Designs, who created the large wire trees as well as the mailboxes for letters to Santa.

At the centre of the Christmas display is the Santa sleigh and kudu reindeer crafted by Easi Grass.

“We wanted to offer a South African experience that ties into our eco-friendly, sustainable goals,” said Carey Taylor from the marketing department at Karaglen Shopping Centre.

The Christmas display is set up in the food court of Karaglen Shopping Centre.