Barry de Villiers’s nephew will no longer give art lessons at the Creative Arts Centre

Werner Hendriks was part of the Creative Art Centre for about 20 years

September 29, 2020

Tayla Smit 1 minute read

Werner Hendriks, the nephew of well-known artist Barry de Villiers, is sad to announce he will no longer offer art classes at the Creative Arts Centre’s penguin room.

After his uncle, the custodian of the art centre in 44 Market Street, died on March 8, Werner told the Advertiser he will now be leading the art lessons as a way to keep his uncle’s legacy alive.

However, he explained due to the loss of income during lockdown, he will no longer be able to teach art classes.

“It’s the end of an era. I’m going to miss the centre and all the people who were involved. I had many happy years in the penguin room and I’m going to miss it. We had wonderful art exhibitions, competitions and drank tea with the students while learning about art.”

Werner, who is also an award-winning artist, explained his uncle became involved at the creative arts centre over two decades ago. Werner joined his uncle at the centre in 2000 after he matriculated.

In the creative art centre’s penguin room, Barry offered professional art lessons and held art exhibitions and competitions amongst other things. In the ’80s and ’90s, Barry taught art classes free of charge to underprivileged children from Vosloorus, who otherwise would not have had any access to visual arts.

Werner said the highlight of his time at the centre was the Van Gogh art exhibition, which was also the last exhibition Barry was part of.

“I wasn’t sure if I’d ever pick up a paint brush after my uncle’s death, but thanks to God’s grace I managed to paint a few paintings again.”
He explained he is excited about the future as he is going to give art lessons from his studio, Red Sands Studio, at his home in Boekenhout Street next year.