Call for art for a fab show

THE Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg are gearing up for this year’s edition of The Fabulous Picture Show, the gallery’s major annual fundraising auction and fun event, now in its sixth year.

Due to the generosity, first of the participating artists, then of the buying public, last year’s auction sold 162 donated artworks and raised some R60 000.

This goes towards buying new works for the gallery’s permanent collection, one of the finest in South Africa.

“The gallery would love to see that figure exceeded this year when the always-lively auction takes place on Friday, November 20. It is an event not to be missed and, of course, a chance to buy a special piece of art,” says a spokesman.

“Last year’s two top sellers each raised more than R4 000, but there is always plenty of affordable, original work to be snapped up – for a good cause.”

The first call is now going out for artists to donate an unframed, original artwork.

“Although the final submissions’ deadline is only on October 3, now is the time to start planning.”

Artists can donate up to three original, unframed works. The maximum size is A4 (21 x27.9cm) and the full details are on the gallery’s website. All works in the prescribed size will be framed by the gallery before the auction.

As an alternative, artists can purchase 12cm square wooden blocks for R6 from the Tatham Art Gallery shop.

3D works are welcome, but not bigger than the A4 dimensions.

As well as the final submission date, gallery staff will be available to accept work on the five Tuesday afternoons in September.

For more information, visit the Friends of the Tatham Art Gallery website at www.fotag.co.za or contact Bryony Clark at bryony.clark@msunduzi.gov.za or 033 392 2825 (mornings only). – Goodlife Reporter