Pupils impress with pencils, pens and paint

For a brief moment, you could imagine yourself wondering around in the Louvre Museum in Paris appreciating the paintings of Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and Vincent van Gogh.

Then you had to remind yourself that you are actually in Johannesburg attending the art exhibition in the school hall of Rand Park High School in Randpark Ridge.

The school hosted their annual art exhibition on 14 April. Art teacher, Anneke von Maltitz explained that they showcase the art of pupils from all grades. Grade 8 and 9 pupils have to take creative arts, which is divided into art and drama. From Grade 10 onwards the pupils have the opportunity to study visual arts.

Von Maltitz explained that the pupils receive the theme early in the year and then develop it with many little projects. She added that they try to develop the traditional art skills of the pupils, but in such a way that they don’t realise it.

“By the time the pupils are in Grade 12 they have learned brush strokes, different mediums and styles like pop art and impressionism,” said Von Maltitz.

Paintings and some sculptures were displayed on makeshift walls and parents and fellow pupils had the chance to view the art. The exhibition showcased a wide variety of mediums including paints, pencils, mixed media and even ballpoint pens. Pupils from the school entertained the art lovers with subtle music, showing that art comes in different forms.

Grade 11 pupil Carla Arnall said that her teachers inspire her when she does her artwork. Micaela Blower, a Grade 10 pupil, showed her peacock artwork. “I am inspired by my step-mom as she is an artist,” said Blower.

Heather Robinson, the school’s marketing, public relations and communications officer, explained that the school’s debutantes use the art exhibition to raise funds for the school. They do this by selling food to the visitors who attend the annual event.

“I am incredibly proud of the pupils, and this comes from someone who can’t draw more than a stick-figure,” said Rand Park High School principal, Alan Wilke.

Details: Rand Park High School, 011 793 1246.

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