The Owlhouse makes ready for the festive season

NIEU-BETHESDA — The Owlhouse is a hive of activity at the moment as it readies itself for the influx of tourists over the festive season.

About 15 000 people visit this excellent example of outsider art each year, and marvel in the manner in which Helen Martins and her assistants Jonas Adams, Piet van der Merwe and most recently Koos Malgas, created this beautiful fantasy world in cement and glass.

Tickets to the Owlhouse can be obtained from the Owlhouse foundation building in Martin Street. Before heading off to the Owlhouse/camelyard itself, visitors can pop in at the Helen Martins museum where her letters, clothing and artefacts are displayed and carefully preserved from the harsh Karoo elements.

The Owlhouse museum shop is well stocked with carefully selected, proudly South African crafts. Annemiek Schep, a resident of the village who serves on the Owlhouse foundation, has taken great pride in sourcing quality art and craft - and beautiful mementoes and gifts can be purchased here. Custodians Theodette Barry, Angela Goliath and Michelle Jacobs welcome and assist tourists to this heritage site that has made their village world famous.

A short walk to the Owlhouse past local traders who make cement and wire artefacts, takes visitors to the entrance to the Owhouse, through the Lion’s Den. Here custodians Ber- nadette and Venique Barendse are available to answer questions and assist visitors.

Last week volunteer residents Hanna van Heerden and Tutti Graham worked with custodians Brandon Davidson and Randall Mentoor in the gardens surrounding the sculptures. When Miss Helen was alive, part of the Camel Yard was covered in wire mesh to keep birds in, and she apparently took pride in nurturing various Karoo plants.

Hanna and Tutti were in the process of beautifying the yard with hollyhocks, gazanias, vetplantjies and other plants that will with- The Camelyard gardens are ready for summer. stand the dry, hot summer in Bethesda and add to the beauty of the camels, mermaids, owls and other creatures that grace the camel yard.

Quite often, because we live so close to wonders such as the Owlhouse, the Valley of Desolation and Reinet House, we take for granted the incredible heritage that is on our doorstep. The Owlhouse in Nieu-bethesda is a mere 45-minute drive from Graaff-reinet and is truly one of South Africa’s gems. Take the time this holiday to visit it with family and friends – you will not be disappointed!