Thuthuka ends on a high note
AUCKLAND PARK – The Thuthuka Jewellery Exhibition recently concluded its run at a closing event held at the University of Johannesburg.
The Thuthuka Jewellery Awards and product development recently hosted the end of its exhibition at a closing event held at the FADA Gallery at the University of Johannesburg.
Trainer, facilitator and goldsmith at the Virginia Jewellery School Nkosie Mbita was inspired by all the creative pieces that were displayed at this year’s exhibition.
“I’ve seen so many beautiful pieces. There were beautiful brass pieces – stylish, yet, simplistic. The work produced this year has been truly inspiring,” he said.
Overall prize winner at the Thuthuka Awards Themba Mantshiyo was also present at the closing event of the exhibition. “Thuthuka has given me this wonderful platform to not only design but to share my ideas and to tell my story,” he said.
Mantshiyo explained that he was raised in a single-parent household and that this was reflected in his overall winning piece entitled ‘multitasking’ “The piece I designed was inspired by my mother Nombulelo Mantshiyo who raised me. She did so many things at once while taking care of me. She was really a big inspiration for me,” he said.
Representative from Browns The Diamond Store Lawrence Mamabolo was very proud to be associated with the Thuthuka Awards and product development. “We are truly proud to be part of this this wonderful initiative. Browns always aims to support local talent,” he said.
Mamabolo went on to explain that Browns also sponsored the creation of the sleek product catalogue, highlighting all the products featured at the awards. A
R25 000 bursary to the overall winner of the awards was also graciously sponsored by Browns.
Director and founder of the Thuthuka Awards and product development Carola Ross was very pleased with the successful run of the awards and the exhibition at the FADA gallery. “We are extremely proud of the exhibition’s run. We believe that the exposure from this platform will provide our aspiring designers with the step into industry that they deserve. We look forward to see what future Thuthukas will go on to produce,” she said.
