Local artist on a mission to enrich young minds
Creative Rabbit launching art and book club and is in need of several more items
Artists are the vessels that spin whirlwinds of universal energy into parcels of picturesque positivity.
Riding a cosmic wave of energy, Marika ‘Creative Rabbit’ Gregory, and her community co-conspirators have been rebuilding Roodepoort CBD’s self-esteem brick by brick. Musicians, humanitarians, fitness freaks, sports coaches and community security personnel have all chipped in to do their bit to bring back some shine to these potential-filled streets.
Next on the list of community upliftment projects is the launch of an arts and book club that aims to promote reading and creativity among the youth in the area. Together with Thabo Radebe of Roodepoort Sports Academy, and Mohamed Surtie of Roodepoort ICE, Marika will be hosting the bi-weekly art and book club in the heart of the Roodepoort CBD.
The art and book club will launch on Saturday, 12 June at Roodepoort City Hall with the kick-starter event featuring several artists, dancers and authors from the area. “With the initiative we will be focusing on children aged six to 18, but we also have plans on running workshops for adults in our community to teach them new arts and craft skills that will hopefully lead to job creation,” said Marika.
When not channelling her passions toward the betterment of others, the buzzing bunny unleashes her vivacity on the empty spaces around her. The white exterior of her Roodepoort North home was transformed into a vibrant mosaic of traditional southern African designs, a project that has taken several weeks to complete. Other than using her own front porch as a canvas, she also specialises in thought-provoking chalk murals.
Her latest mural, titled ‘Freedom is Blind’ was completed last week just before the rains came down. “Many people question the reason behind me using this medium as it simply washes away with water. To me, chalk art is like life, it has its beautiful moments but nothing is ever permanent,” she mused. As for the subject of the mural, she explained, “It’s simple: man-made laws make most people believe they are free while struggling to survive or be able to manifest their dreams into a reality, thus forever staying trapped. As Einstein said, blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”
The art and book club can be a vehicle to free young minds, and ‘Creative Rabbit’ has been working frantically to ensure the road ahead is clear of obstacles. She has secured several donations but is still in need of a host of items, and can be contacted through her Facebook page, Creative Rabbit. Investing in the expansion of youthful minds and their innovatory spirits is a gift eternal.
