Art Alive Exhibition raises over R40k for Clean Projects

Guests browsed and purchased pieces that resonated with them in both the adult and children’s sections.

August 12, 2025

Ntombikayise Letlepo 1 minute read

Captured by the beauty of the art are Mathilde Sterkenburg (64) and her daughter, Emma van Eeden of Benoni, who came looking for art pieces to buy for their nail salon and home, respectively.

Art lovers from Benoni and as far afield as the UK gathered at the Art Alive School in Northmead for the 15th annual Art Alive Exhibition, held from July 30 to August 2.

The event offered guests a feast for the eyes, paired with wine, hearty winter food and the glow of bonfires that kept the atmosphere warm well into the night.

This year’s exhibition was once again hosted in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora, with the primary aim of raising funds for Benoni’s clean-up champions, Clean Projects.

Excited to host the 15th annual Art Alive Exhibition are the organisers of the event. They are Gail Wilson, Peter Herweg, Sylvia Knoop, Elaine Marx, Janice Carter, Collette van de Venter and Mervyn Manning.

Guests browsed and purchased pieces that resonated with them in both the adult and children’s sections.

A total of 118 artworks were sold, breaking the school’s previous pre-Covid sales record.

Artists, both young and established, showcased works exploring themes such as still life, portraits, wildlife, landscapes, abstract art and more.

With paintings on view until 21:00 each night, among the popular features were “charity square” paintings, displayed both inside a tent and the studio.

Mesmerised by one of the paintings, which was on full display at the studio, is Cheryl Croxford of Benoni.

Spotted at the 15th annual Art Alive Exhibition are Boitumelo Matima and Realeboga Makgeledise.

Proceeds from these artworks contributed directly to the fundraising effort.

Also drawing interest was a sculptural exhibit by Benoni resident Mike Franks of Mike’s Models, who displayed detailed sculptures including military figures, chess sets, Zulu warriors and mounted policemen.

Franks said his inspiration is rooted in preserving history and that his process, from moulding to casting, can take up to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the figure.

Art Alive owner Elaine Marx expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success.

Showing off his second painting, which was on display at the 15th annual Art Alive Exhibition, is Lesedi Matima, a student at the Art Alive School in Northmead.

Regular exhibitor Owami Chaka, of Crystal Park, exhibited a portrait this year of his favourite music artist, Tyler, The Creator.

“Through the support of the public, we raised R20 805 through the sale of charity squares and R21 200 through ticket sales. The total amount of R42 005 will go towards Clean Projects via the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora, helping fund vital environmental initiatives in our area,” she said.

She praised the community spirit that made the exhibition possible, noting that the warm hospitality was a collective effort.

“Soup, sherry and wine were generously donated by our teachers, students and Rotarians, while bread rolls were provided by the Rotary Club and firewood by Clean Projects,” said Marx.

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