The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Saturday, August 27, 1966 — More than 1 000 people have already seen the Rhodesian paintings and sketches — most of them by Bulawayo and district artists — exhibited by the Bulawayo Art Club in Naake’s Gallery.

Sold tags have gone up on several works since the exhibition opened on Monday. Purchases made on the spot by art patrons topped the £300 mark yesterday. Committee member and “ad hoc” doorman Mr Bob Ottens said yesterday that the interest shown by the public in the 177 entries was “tremendous”.

Types of techniques employed and subjects chosen varied widely. This coupled with the interest shown by the public, made him feel that a system of awarding prizes should be introduced.”

I shall urge the committee to give at least one prize for the most outstanding entry, at next year’s exhibition”, Mr Ottens said. “This would of course, entail engaging a judge or a panel of judges”, he said. The prizes themselves would not present a problem.

“We have been promised £50 by the National Arts Council, should we need it. We could use that money for prizemoney”.

One thing has bothered him during the exhibition. Artists had not made themselves personally known to him or to the committee.

“I scarcely know any of those who are exhibiting here”, he said. “If they have visited the exhibition, I am unaware of it. I would like to have known them”.