Artists enjoy exhibiting in Western Extension

A tantalising feast for the eyes, the exhibit showcased talent from across the town and ranged from student art to the more experienced in the art sector in the form of artists from the Benoni Art Route and Art Alive owner Elaine Marx present on the day.

May 7, 2019

Rivelle Govindsamy 2 minutes read

Head organiser Stephanie Geral (right) said she was proud of her art students (left) Iris Chang, Ruby Jones and Caitlyn Gouws (back) for their display of confidence and ability to exhibit on the day.

The Pop Up Art Exhibit held recently at a restaurant in Western Extension was hailed by attendees as highly successful, proving to be a popular attraction with over 10 paintings being sold on the day.

Organised by Benoni High art teacher Stephanie Geral, the exhibition was the second in its history, with the first being held in December last year.

An opportunity for all artists and art lovers to converge and share their passion for the medium, Geral estimated more than 100 people attended the event.

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“This is an opportunity for all,” explained Geral.

“There are no commission or exhibit fees charged.

“Artists who are exhibiting sent me their work to assess.

“That went through a filtration process to assess if anything was too ‘offensive or obscene’ or if there was plagiarism involved and after approval, made its way to the stands.”

The art teacher said close to 300 paintings were exhibited and the event was one of relaxation and family fun, all the while encouraging her learners to revel in the day as, in her view, they were now ‘professional artists’ having exhibited their works for the first time.

“Artists either had their work sold or were requested for possible painting commissions.”

Benoni High matric learner and student artist on the day Caitlyn Gouws was ecstatic to be at her first exhibition and aid her go-to medium is ink.

“As a child I always drew in pen,” said Gouws.

“I knew if I made a mistake I had to go back and redo the work.

“This taught me to never make a mistake.”

A day of diverse mediums in the art world saw paintings with ink and oil as the popular choices.

Selling a number of paintings of the day, Elaine Marx said the event benefited the community and said she hoped it would feature regularly in the town.

Geral said she attributed the success of the event to the community coming together to make it a success.

“There is a simple recipe for success.

“People shared information about the event and word got out about it.

“The important take away is the collaboration factor with the public.

“I urge all artists in Benoni and members of the public to come through to the next event.”

For more information on the event and for details on forthcoming exhibits contact Geral via email at popupartexhibit@gmail.com