BCT: What is the Benoni Art Route about?
EM: The Benoni Art Route aims to give the public the opportunity to view the creative process and to obtain art of a high standard, directly from the artist.
The Benoni Art Route is situated throughout Benoni with various stops, changing from year to year, and artists are placed at various venues.
I think the route is a great platform to promote the talent of various artists throughout Benoni.
BCT: What are your responsibilities on the Benoni Art Route?
EM: I am on the committee of the Benoni Art Route and the committee is responsible for the planning and promoting of the Benoni Art Route.
I am also an exhibiting artist on the route and our works are displayed at various venues throughout Benoni on the last Sunday of every month.
BCT: For how long have you worked on the Benoni Art Route?
EM: I have been part of the Benoni Art Route since its inception in 2014.
I initiated the route with Paul Botes.
BCT: Of what significance is the Benoni Art Route to Benoni in this modern day and age?
EM: In a time where entertainment always comes at a price, the Benoni Art Route offers a cultural experience at no cost to the viewer.
We also believe in giving back.
At the end of 2016 the artists held an auction, where some of the proceeds were donated to the Benoni SPCA.
Some paintings have also been donated to the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora and these paintings were auctioned and the full proceeds were donated to the charitable causes of the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora.
BCT: Tell us about yourself
EM: My faith is important to me and I am grateful for my artistic talent.
I was born in Northmead and currently live in Cloverdene.
I currently own the Art Alive Art School in Northmead, where I enjoy teaching adult art classes.
I enjoy having friends and family around me, but also treasure time alone in my studio where inspiration runs freely and I can create oil paintings.
BCT: What are your hobbies?
EM: I love travelling.
My favourite places in our country (besides Benoni) are Paternoster and Tulbagh.
I enjoy learning new languages; at the moment I am learning to speak Italian.
This year, I started line dancing and I participate in the Park Run at Ebotse.
