North Coast artist Wendy Ferguson (86) celebrated five decades of creativity at the opening of Redwoods Gallery, hosted at her new home studio.

More than 40 friends, family members, local artists and members of the public attended Friday’s event to honour Wendy’s remarkable artistic journey.

Hosted by her son, Paul Ferguson, and his partner, Nicci Mostert, at Redwoods Guest Farm near Ballito, the inaugural exhibition paid tribute to a creative career that began in the early 1970s.

A former Sheffield Beach resident, Wendy and her husband, Stan, recently moved to Redwoods, where she continues to paint from a converted stable on the property.

“We wanted to provide Wendy with a place to create and showcase her art, so we decided to get started and host an exhibition,” said Nicci.

Wendy’s work spans landscapes, portraits, figure studies, animals and large abstracts. Her favourite artist is Austrian symbolist Gustav Klimt, a founding member of the Vienna Secession and key figure in Europe’s Art Nouveau movement.

She has exhibited throughout South Africa and in Australia and while she works mainly in acrylics, her pieces also incorporate watercolours, oils, pastels and mixed-media collage. Her hand-woven wall hangings and sculptures were also on display.

“I like the way abstracts take over,” said Wendy.

“You start off with an idea, then all of a sudden, inspiration and creativity erupt. When you finish painting, it’s something else entirely.”

Two standout pieces were featured. Tornado, a mixed-media collage inspired by the June 2024 tornado that struck the North Coast and Redwoods Guest Farm and Taming the Tiger, a symbolic piece exploring the transformation of an innocent girl into a strong, empowered woman

Guests enjoyed the warm atmosphere of the 100-year-old farmhouse and gallery, while Clare Kelly of Meridian Wine served a curated selection from the Meerlust Workers Trust’s Compagniesdrift. Nicci and Paul provided a variety of snacks and later treated guests to a home-cooked dinner.

“We are thrilled!” said Nicci.

“It was an incredibly successful opening evening, filled with wonderful company, beautiful art and excellent wine, which made the event both celebratory and meaningful.”

WhatsApp Nicci on 0768 234436 or email info@redwoodsguestfarm.net to make a booking at Redwoods Gallery to view Wendy’s work.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.