THE ASSOCIATION OF ARTS

THE ASSOCIATION OF ARTS PRETORIA TURNS 75

www.artspta.co.za

Opposite page: Rina Stutzer, Stealing the hole in the sky

As far back as 1871 the South African Fine Arts Association was founded in Cape Town. In July 1947 the Southern Transvaal branch was started in Johannesburg and later that year, on the 27th of September, the Northern Transvaal branch was formed in Pretoria. In 1997 the latter was renamed as the Association of Arts Pretoria.

In its earliest years it was well supported and assisted by the Pretoria Technical College. Before it had its final home in the current gallery in Mackie Street, it moved between a few venues - the D.S. Vorster gallery (1957), Polley’s Arcade (1961), the Old Netherlands Building (1963) and 36th floor of the Volkskas Building (1978).

The list of the Association’s exhibitors covers all the country’s foremost as well as lesserknown painters and sculptors. Literally too many to name. Of interest is the fact that artist Walter Battiss was the Association’s very first chairman and that the cornerstone of the current Mackie Street gallery was designed by renowned potter Esias Bosch and revealed on the 30th of November 1990. The Association moved into the gallery in 1991 and its inauguration was on the 3rd of May 1991. It stands to reason that the three quarter of a century will be gloriously celebrated. Exhibitions already seen in veneration are works of Gunther van Reis and Mike Edwards in April this year and Isa Steynberg – daughter of the late Coert Steynberg - as well as Kieries/ Walking Sticks curated by Collen Maswanganyi in May 2022.

Other exhibitions in celebration of the seventyfive years are:

• Artists between the ages of 20 and 40 years (29 July to 20 August 2022)

• Artists between the ages of 40 and 60 years (2 September to 23 September 2022)

• Artists of 60 years and older (30 September to 22 October 2022)

All these artists’ works have been exhibited here at some or other stage - either as part of a group or as a solo exhibitor.

In honour of the 50th anniversary of Ceramics Southern Africa there will be an exhibition titled “Fifty Pots for Fifty Years”. On display will be fifty selected ceramic works by members of

Frederik Eksteen, Lithophyte 2, 2022

Peter Mammes, Coming forth by day Craig Muller, Art installation

Ceramics Southern Africa, Gauteng region, along with pieces from two guest Western Cape artists, Ralph Johnson and Hennie Meyer (28 October to 19 November 2022).

One of the most exciting projects driven by the Pretoria Arts Association is the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition (sponsored by SASOL since 1990). This competition, which was established by the Association of Arts Pretoria in the 1960’s, creates a platform for new and undiscovered artists to kickstart their careers. Many a young talent has benefitted greatly from this.

Equally exciting is the Sunday morning music recitals in the gallery. Attendees can listen to aural or musical art whilst being surrounded by the visual arts. Again, the list of performers is too extensive to name here.

The Pretoria Arts Association’s aim is to house at least thirty exhibitions per year, whether pottery, sculpture, painting or experimental. The quality and variety of the Association’s exhibitions and events enrich our cultural life and Pretoria is blessed to have such an accessible and beautiful venue for art exhibitions.

Moreover, the venue is used for the launch of books and the staff can be of assistance in the evaluation of art works as well as the restoration of damaged works.

This jewel who was 75 years old on the 27th of September should be cherished and safeguarded. Anyone who has a passion for the visual arts can and should become a member of the Association of Arts Pretoria.

Replenish your soul at this oasis of arts and culture - long live the Association of Arts Pretoria.

Visit the website https://www.artspta. co.za or follow the Association on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ pretoriaartsassociation)

Angus Taylor, Te midde