ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Adding pieces to Sedgefield’s mosaics
SEDGEFIELD - Thanks to countless hours of hard work put in by the various role players, Sedgefield now boasts a brandnew mosaic art experience that art lovers both near and far can enjoy.
As has been the case with the longstanding Mosaic Art Project, the newly launched and highly revitalised mosaic art experience is pioneered by Sedgefield nonprofit organisation Masithandane.
The original project was started in 2008 to upskill disadvantaged members of the community in the craft of mosaicking to help provide employment and a sustainable source of income. On a day-to-day basis, Masithandane supports and cares for children, families and the elderly in the communities in and around Sedgefield.
The project grew into the Slow Town's very own mosaic route that adds an extra dimension to experiencing Sedgefield.
The Sedgefield Mosaic Route included 40-odd mosaic sculptures, but as of last week the new route boasts a much bigger number.
In a special event held at the Mosaic Table on Thursday 31 March, Masithandane chair Jacky Weaver proudly announced that the new Sedgefield Mosaic Route now has 66 mosaic sculptures. It also forms part of a larger mosaic experience that includes a range of clothing and memorabilia inspired by the mosaic sculptures.
These can be found at the Mosaic Table, and will help market and promote the Slow w Town. Speaking at the launch, Knysna Mayor Levael Davis said, "With such a big mosaic arts scene, Sedgefield is definitely the mosaic capital of South Africa, and it is s such a big credit to the hard work that has been put in by Jacky and everyone in the Mosaic Art Project."
In addition to launching the new mosaic route, Weaver also announced a new upcoming mosaic sculpture just for Sedgefield. "We got the Lovebug last year, but now it is time for Sedgefield to get its seahorse," she said.
The seahorse mosaic project, which is run in conjunction with the Strandloper Project - a local NPO that combats marine pollution in the region - is expected to be completed later this year. Strandloper founder, Mark Dixon, is excited about the partnership. "Without a doubt this is an exciting project and collaboration.
“Masithandane has an impressive portfolio of marine fauna included in its public creations and to have them plan for an exhibit which addresses the threat of plastic pollution to ocean health is encouraging," he said. "Together we have brainstormed how to convey the blight of ocean plastic through art and I am excited that Masithandane's creation will be inspirational."