During the 1950s Benoni Art Society (BAS) was hailed as the art society ‘on the Reef’ by many in the art fraternity.
Now, as the society prepares to celebrate its 75th year of existence, the committee hopes to grow the organisation with more young and passionate artists under its umbrella.
Paul Botes (81) of Farrarmere, has been serving as the BAS chairman for the past 22 years and admits that joining the society as a 28-year-old man among a group of elderly women in 1969 helped him hone his skills and ignited his passion for art.
The society was founded in 1947 by Elizabeth Clarke and was named Scarlet Hat Studio after her favourite headpiece, which she also lovingly painted.
The first studio was located in Clarke’s garage on Woburn Avenue but moved to the Benoni Town Hall in 1953, shortly after Clarke relocated.
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In 1966, the organisation changed its name and became known as the Red Hat Society.
Since then, the society met in various locations, such as the old library as well as the Benoni Museum, but has for the past 15 years called the Holy Trinity Church, in Northmead, home.
According to Botes, despite the world of art drastically changing with many choosing digital methods and the public opting to purchase mass-produced prints, societies like BAS remain relevant, offering invaluable guidance to its 20 veteran as well as budding artists.
“Our monthly meetings offer workshops by well-known artists, sharing their techniques and insights with members, often forcing us to re-evaluate our styles and challenging us to explore new creative avenues,” he said.
“While many of us are well-established within the artistic sphere, we strive to mentor younger artists not just in technique but also in the business aspects of profiting from your creativity.”
Botes added that practising art is an isolating craft and that meeting other like-minded individuals every month adds social stimulation to an internal process.
In celebration of the society’s platinum jubilee, BAS has partnered with the Benoni Art Route and its members will also be exhibiting their works in CR Swart Park, Sarel Cilliers Street, Rynfield on May 29 and June 26 from 9:00.
For more information regarding BAS and how to join email Paul at gustabotes1@gmail.com.
BAS 75-year highlights:
• Members exhibited at Homestead Park and held workshops in the creativity room of the Benoni Museum.
• Dorine Ward, a long-standing committee and oldest member celebrated her 92nd with her BAS kin.
• The first art exhibition hosted at the John Barrable Hall was organised by Rotary Benoni at their Hobbitech Fair and became an annual event for five consecutive years.
• A new exhibiting body was formed called Artist Working Together (AWT). Their mission was to identify affordable exhibition opportunities for all East Rand artists. BAS members became part of AWT, which led to the society no longer hosting exhibitions.
• In 2014 the Benoni Art Route was founded where art lovers would travel from venue to venue to view a variety of art disciplines.
After six years it became a monthly communal exhibit at the CR Swart Park.
BAS members, as well as other interested artists, are involved in driving this initiative which has become a major attraction.
• Members who contributed to the society’s success:
Chairman, Paul Botes.
Hilda Adams, chairman from the 80s to 90s.
Dirk van Niekerk, vice-chairman during the 80s and 90s.
Chris Ballantine, president from 1970 to the 1990s.
Celia Rustage (treasurer).
Zack de Beer served as a critic.
Danie Strijdom, architect and artist held the position of secretary from 2011 to 2016.
Des Price, the librarian from 2002 to 2021.
Larry Mervitz served as treasury and secretary from 2010 to 2021.
Val Winstanley served as secretary from 1996 to 2003.
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