New gallery for artists to exhibit their work

LOUISE Pietrucci has taken her love for art to the next level and opened a gallery in her backyard.

Creative Visual Design, a picture framing gallery and supplier of art equipment, was launched last week in Berea.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch at the launch Pietrucci said the gallery was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

“I love looking at beautiful things and have always wanted to sell pottery and other artwork,” she said.

She said she wanted to celebrate art in East London and create a platform for local artists.

“There are so many talented artists but there are very few places for them to showcase or exhibit their work.”

Pietrucci said the gallery had three business aspects, the main one being the framing business.

“We provide frames for anything from children’s artworks, expensive professional works to certificates.”

Other aspects include selling artworks and supplying art material such as paints and brushes.

“What we are trying to do is provide an entire package for budding artists.

“They can buy the material here. Once the artwork has been completed they can bring it here for framing and if the standard of the work is any good, we will hang them up in the gallery.”

The launch had artists exhibiting a variety of artworks including ceramics, sculptures and paintings.

They were all on sale and a portion of the proceeds would be donated to a charity of the artist’s choice.

Bongani Matshisi, a self-confessed art lover, said he appreciated the abstract art on show.

“I love the oil paintings; it is such a refreshing and different take on the paintings I am used to,” said Matshisi.

Nic Conradie, another guest at the launch, said: “I like the wide variety of artworks on show, especially the ceramics... very different.” —