Eldos Visual Arts Narrators determined to make a difference within the Greater Eldorado Park community through art
Eldos Visual Arts Narrators.
A group of five young artists from Eldorado Park are determined to make a difference within the Greater Eldorado Park community through art.
Iviano Spannenburg, Leondre Daniels, Keanu Cheche, Ishmail Hamsa and Dhelmon Elie, with the help of Sonia Elie, a community activist and founder of ‘Die Boek Feetjie’ created a support group for young, aspiring artists.
“The aim of the support group is to share ideas, share techniques and motivate one another to do better, be better and to keep going,” said Elie.
“We thought long and hard about a name for ourselves and decided to call ourselves ‘EVAN’ this stands for Eldos Visual Arts Narrators,” she added.
“Art is so broad, we are all different so we thought why not come together and teach one another what we’re good at. EVAN was created to allow us to grow together as artists as well as give back to our community. Art is no longer being taught in school so we aim to create a platform where youngsters can learn and improve on their art,” said Daniels.
When asked why art is important Elie, who is one of the artists said that art is important because it allows one to express themselves. “Art for all of us is an outlet. It helps us cope with life’s pressures and allows us to be ourselves. No artist interprets an art piece the same, and that is the power art possesses, it encourages creativity,” said Elie.
Spannenburg said that art requires discipline. “Creating an art piece takes time and because of that, you develop the skill of being patient and disciplined. I have learned so much about myself through art. There is something magical in the process of it all,” he added.
‘’EVAN aims to prove that good things can come from Eldorado Park. For too long our community has been labelled as bad, violent and drug-infested but we want to work towards changing that narrative. We want to focus on something positive,” said Cheche.
Hamsa added that art is a form of storytelling. “We all have individual stories to tell and you can clearly see that with every art piece. If there is anything youngsters should walk away with by reading this, is that your story matters and it is worth telling. You can do it, only have to set your mind to it,” Hamsa said.
Sonia concluded by saying that she will make it a priority to ensure that these youngsters grow into great artists. “All of them are looking into studying art after school so I will work towards getting bursaries for them. EVAN also plans to visit schools in the community to promote art,” said Elie.
EVAN is always in need of art supplies. Anyone who would like to donate can contact Sonia Elie on 083 665 2859. EVAN urges youngster from the Greater Eldorado Park to be a part of the visual arts movement.
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