Art enthusiasts turned out in numbers for the monthly First Thursdays event at The Gallery at Ballito Lifestyle Centre last week, despite the cold and wet conditions on the night.

The evening offered a vibrant blend of culture, creativity and community spirit, with live music, wine tastings hosted by Tops Lifestyle, and late-night shopping at The Studios.

The highlight was the opening of a new exhibition titled Immersion, which runs until November 30 and features artists from across the province, including Leigh Bisset, Lindsay Phillips, Sharon Peterson and Gift Dlamini.

Curated by Sarah O’Reilly, who has managed The Gallery since October 2023, the exhibition invites visitors to pause and connect deeply with the artworks on display.

“The idea of Immersion is to be in the moment, to forget your daily worries and enjoy the comfort of the artists and their work. It’s a beautiful, multi-faceted labour of love,” said O’Reilly.

The Gallery showcases a rotating selection of paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media, sculptures, ceramics and woven ware from some of KZN’s finest artists. Exhibitions change every two months, each with its own unique theme.

“This exhibition has been an incredible one to curate. Every show comes with its own challenges, but this one has been smooth and an exciting experience,” said O’Reilly.

First Thursday continues to grow as a cultural staple on the North Coast, a space where art, music and community converge to offer a welcome escape from the stresses of modern life.

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