Montrose Primary exhibits the future of South African artistry at its art exhibit
Montrose primary hosted an art exhibition celebrating the hard work put in by the school’s learners.
Parkmore’s Montrose Primary School continued to set a great example for the future of primary schooling in South Africa, when it hosted a well-attended art exhibition in the school hall on October 17.
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Jaco Sauer, who is an integral part of the school’s gaming community, kicked things off with a presentation on how the future of artistry in South Africa, and that of technology, are merging in beautiful ways which accommodate one another.
“The question that we should be asking ourselves tonight is one of balance. How do we balance art and technology, so that the one compliments the other?” Sauer put forward to guests, in his welcoming address. “The first step towards answering that question of balance lies in building mutual respect for technology, and for the skill required to create artwork.”
As part of the festivities, learners from across the grades had the opportunity to share some of the beauty they’ve created at Montrose Primary with their families.
The school’s life orientation departmental head, Anita Rix, said that the committee responsible for the annual event collected the art all throughout the year, culminating in this exhibiting opportunity for the learners.
“Learners are invited to exhibit if they’re selected to present at this art expo. It’s a huge achievement for them, and a big celebration for their families,” Rix said. “[This exhibition has] changed over the years from a fundraiser, to now being just a celebration of the children’s artwork, and the teachers’ inspiration.”
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Rix, who has been a part of the Montrose Primary community for two decades, said that the decision to move away from using the event as a fundraiser came after noticing how attached some learners became over their artistic outputs.
“We’ve steered away from that now. We [sold the art] years ago, but then we would have children in tears because a stranger bought their art, saying: ‘but daddy and mommy didn’t buy my art’,” Rix recalled. “The parents also want their children’s art, so all the art goes home with the children.”
Rix touched on why it was important for the school to focus as much effort into cultivating a generation of artists, as it was to focus on the development of scientists, lawyers, doctors, and engineers.
“Young artists think outside the box, and see things that more logical people don’t. So, it’s important to celebrate their art,” said Rix. “Most parents look at art as a hobby. We want parents to understand that they need to nurture their children’s art. For them to see their children’s art displayed like this allows parents to see what their children have to offer in this sphere.”
The school exhibited works by over 100 learners, some of whom were presenting more than one item of artwork.
Helen Heidstra felt drawn to the creative process behind the artworks presented by the school’s Grade 7 learners.
“They were using pencil, and dots, to create this art. For me, it’s just so amazing that a Grade 7 child can do such fabulous work, and be so advanced in their execution,” Heidestra said, briefly capturing the brilliance of the entire event.
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