Passionate artists unite

IT is a common misconception that artists are misunderstood and tortured souls. The kindred spirits known as the North Coast Artists have definitely challenged that notion.

Not only has the group of 120-odd members grown over the years, but the passionate individuals have once again raised a significant amount of funds for the Animal Anti-Cruelty League. Every year the group donates a portion of the funds earned from their exhibitions held at the La Lucia Mall to this worthy cause. Last year they donated R14 500.

For more than 39 years, the artists have also gathered at monthly meetings to inspire and aid fellow artists in improving their skills. Some members, such as Thelma Buzzard, who celebrated her 90th birthday last year, as well as Henri Antelme and Anne Mezher, have been a part of the artistic expressive group since the NPO’s inception.

“Every month a demonstrator gives an informative talk. Members and guests also have opportunities discuss their art. Our aim is to encourage members to learn and grow as artists, and we also inform them of happenings in the art community,” said Gill Shakleford, the publicity convener for the group.

Over the years dozens of popular and well-known artists have graced the stage of the monthly talks, including Ian van Zyl, John Smith and Natasha Barnes.

The meetings are held every second Saturday of the month. Entrance costs R30 for members and R40 for non-members, which includes east and refreshments.

Members of the group range from young and old, and while the majority hail from the Durban North area, some travel from as far as Ballito and Hillcrest for the artistic inspiration.

“It is the ideal environment for people who feel creative and want to start expressing themselves, as well as the artists who want to interact with experienced artists. I have been painting for more than 50 years, but I still get inspired by seeing what other people have don and want to do, said June Dovey, the exhibit convener for the North Coast Artists.