THE annual Christmas Exhibition, which showcases a range of handmade African-themed art, opened on Thursday, 29 October at the African Art Centre. Beadwork, embroidery, telephone wire crafts, clay and wood decorations are some of the crafts you can expect to see.
This exhibition fulfils the centre’s mission to facilitate innovative products through creative skills development initiatives, enabling local crafters to generate sustainable income through their art. The centre’s development project enhances the existing skills of crafters residing in KZN communities and affords exposure to emerging talent.
This year, displays will include a variety of exciting new work by young creatives currently training through the African Art Centre’s outreach Velobala Jewellery Design classes. Weaving in telephone wire for the first time, Wonder Msane, Phumlani Mbhele and Phumlani Madela produced a range of ornaments in the formation of stars, hearts and angels executed in specified colour combinations.
“We are thrilled to see young people absorb new skills so creatively,” said assistant director, Nozipho Zulu. Novel features at this year’s exhibition are uniquely African-designed beach towels, through a partnership between Mr Price Home and four African Art Centre artists – Sibusiso Duma, Nonotobeko Jilajila, Mbali Mabuza and Timothy Mlambo. The towels each represent each artist’s varied skills.
“Championing great design is important to us. It is who we are and what we do at Mr Price Home. This collaboration, under the auspices of our ‘Design Doing Good’ programme, will see a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every beach towel being donated back to the African Art Centre to facilitate emerging artists’ development,” said Mr Price Home merchandise director, Yanni Vosloo.
The new range will be in stores from Tuesday, 12 November. The exhibition closes on Thursday, 24 December. Contact the African Art Centre on 031 303 4634 or visit 94 Florida Road, Morningside.
