Art by the Sea Easter exhibition breaks records
As the exhibition closed on a high note, its success leaves a lasting impression of art connecting with people in meaningful ways.
During the recent Easter holidays, Art by the Sea delighted visitors to Southcoast Mall with a vibrant exhibition showcasing a diverse collection of paintings.
Over its 53-year history, the artists of Art by the Sea have firmly established the club as a respected presence in the local art scene. Several well-known South African artists trace their roots back to the club, while the recent inclusion of younger and emerging artists has injected fresh energy, ensuring the club remains relevant and in step with the times.
Hosting an exhibition in a busy and popular shopping destination such as Southcoast Mall during peak trading season reflects the growing trend of bringing art to the people. Not only does this create an enjoyable cultural attraction for shoppers, but it also allows artists to present their work to a broader audience – many of whom may not typically visit traditional galleries.
This approach proved highly successful. A record number of artworks found new homes, and the club achieved its highest-ever turnover for an exhibition of this nature. In addition, the artists are contributing a percentage of their sales to a jointly selected charity, further enhancing the impact of the event.
An analysis of the exhibition revealed several interesting trends. Although it was initially expected that most sales would come from up-country visitors holidaying on the coast during the Easter break, the majority of artworks were in fact acquired by local residents of the South Coast.
Equally encouraging was the strong support from younger buyers. Many invested in original artworks – some still being at school, using their pocket money.
No single medium or style dominated in popularity: sketches, watercolours, oils and acrylics all performed equally well. Works ranged across landscapes, seascapes, portraits and abstracts, with prices spanning from R160 to R5 500.
Visitors expressed genuine admiration for the quality of the exhibited artworks and were generous in their praise for Southcoast Mall for hosting an event of this calibre. One enthusiastic visitor even remarked that his family is already planning their holiday for the same period next year to ensure they do not miss it.
As the exhibition closed on a high note, its success leaves a lasting impression of art connecting with people in meaningful ways. Gordon Dinner, chairperson of Art by the Sea thanked the public, local and up-country, for their generous support and encouragement.
He says, “We as artists remain hopeful that this vibrant showcase will return, becoming a regular Easter highlight at Southcoast Mall for years to come”.
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