On the first Saturday of every month, Begeman Street comes alive with colour and creativity as the Mediterranean Plaaswinkel hosts its vibrant market.

Local artists and crafters gather to showcase their talents, offering visitors a diverse range of art forms, unique creations, and a taste of community spirit.

Melinda van der Merwe of the Mediterranean Plaaswinkel provided the premises for the workshop and a meal to the artists of the day.

Van der Merwe has a heart for the community and is always ready to help.

Veronika Olivier, an artist from the Suikerbos Art Association, saw the raw potential in some participants and believed that, with some guidance, they could become the artists and inspirations they aspire to be.

Recognised artists Olivier, Marili Prinsloo, and Michiel Groenewald conducted a workshop on September 25 for a group of artists.

Nine artists from Ratanda participated in the workshop.

During the workshop, they taught techniques including oil painting, watercolour, and pencil and charcoal drawing.
To raise funds for the workshop, Olivier auctioned off some of her paintings on TikTok.

The funds were used to buy art supplies, including sketching and painting paper, for the budding artists to practise their various art forms.

Groenewald, chairperson of the Suikerbos Arts Association, advised the artists on oil painting. Prinsloo, the acting secretary, guided them in pencil and charcoal drawing, while Olivier demonstrated watercolour techniques.

The day was not just about teaching the new artists new techniques, but also a learning experience for the members of the Suikerbos Arts Association, who demonstrated that being an artist can be a calling and a way to share one’s creativity with the world.

After the workshop, each artist received an art kit to take home and practise what they had learned during the day.

The message was to never give up, but to work at one’s craft daily. Artistic inspiration is something to be shared with others and preserved for future generations.