Get ready for Zululand’s best art festival
FOR the last seven years, Mtunzini has been the location of the only art festival north of the Tugela River - and this year is no different!
From 27 to 29 October, Mtunzini will again sparkle with wrapped trees and festivities as Art in the Shade takes off.
This has become the place for the region's artists to showcase their talents, with hundreds of paintings and craft articles displayed, bought and sold.
A fundraiser for Mtunzini Rotary, Art in the Shade is a landmark event that not only supports local artists and crafters, but also brings in many visitors to the town who now support the festival every year.
There might even be a public art installation – which is still under wraps.
Applications from artists and crafters are streaming in, and organisers hope to have a bumper year that will honour the phenomenal skills of local artists.
As usual, organisers encourage schools to participate and exhibit their students’ work.
“It’s lovely to see an art buyer walk out with a piece of art done by a child. You just know they can’t live without having it,” says Penny Steyn, art co-ordinator.
The festival is also a great opportunity for final-year art students to gain exposure for the pieces they have worked on during the year.
At Mtunzini Rotary Art in the Shade, the team understands, respects, and appreciates the dedication and time artists put into their creations.
What makes this event different from any other regional festival is that it honours art.
Besides the exhibition, there will be opportunities to attend art workshops and partake in art-related activities.
Two big community canvases will give young and old the chance to paint and play.
Anyone with a small, old car with potential to be a piece of artwork can park it at the festival and see how artists, wannabe artists and enthusiasts transform it into the ultimate conversation piece! But beware, this is an art festival, it might turn out very eccentric!
Throughout the festival, food stalls will sell delicious eats, while a beer tent will offer wine, beer or G&T.
Artists and crafters who want to be part of the Rotary Club of Mtunzini’s
Art in the Shade must send a letter to artsintheshade@gmail.com or WhatsApp 082 3721669 to receive an application form.
There is a reasonable fee for artists to exhibit. Festival proceeds will support Rotary projects.
Festival news and artist profiles can be followed on the Art in the Shade Facebook page.