All for a common Kaws

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Original, unique artworks by local artists will be on sale at a fundraising exhibition that opens at 17:30 on Thursday 17 November at Knysna's Old Gaol.

Two chairs painted by celebrated local artist and teacher Faith du Plessis will be auctioned at the event and a portion of all sales will go to the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (Kaws).

"We are very excited for this special auction and exhibition," said Kaws vice chairperson Debbie Davies, who is one of the participating artists.

"Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to buy a one-of-a-kind, affordable piece of art, but you'll be supporting our local art community and, more importantly, a very deserving local charity."

The exhibition follows on the great art wall unveiling that took place at the Kaws operational centre on Monday 7 November.

All the artworks on show and available for purchase may also be viewed here.

Du Plessis and students from her studio, The Art House Knysna, worked tirelessly to produce whimsical portraits of animals on boards that now cover the external fencing at Kaws. This art wall also forms part of the larger Knysna Interactive Art Project that includes art installations such as the Lovebug in Sedgefield, the Brenton Blue Butterfly wall in Brenton on Sea, the Circles in a Forest wall in Knysna, and many more.

Du Plessis explains that this was just the beginning of the Kaws project.

"We wanted to support Kaws and brighten their environment, but our enthusiasm grew with each painting we completed on the boards," she says. "When we realised that we have an opportunity to also raise some much-needed funds for Kaws, we decided to produce these individual portraits and make them available for sale."

Davies thanked Du Plessis, her students and sponsors for their efforts. "We really appreciate the support we get from Knysna's community," said Davies.

"This is an exceptionally special project. Anyone who sees the art wall at Kaws will be moved to support the cause. And the art that will be available to purchase at the exhibition is truly extraordinary."

Faith Du Plessis [front] with some of The Art House Knysna’s students who participated in the project.

A 'new' charity shop

The evening will also celebrate the official opening of the newly revamped Kaws Charity Shop, which boasts beautiful murals by Du Plessis in its new extension. Kaws is a non-profit, self-funded public benefit organisation. Largely dependent on donations from the public, they often struggle just to cover running costs. The organisation has been operating since 1951 and works tirelessly for the protection of Knysna's animals.

It promotes animal welfare and the prevention of cruelty to animals while providing a safe haven for lost, stray, abused or neglected animals.

It provides veterinary care when necessary and possible, and works to rehome animals so they may receive quality care in a domestic environment.

For information on how you can get involved, make a donation or adopt a pet, please visit www.knysnaanimalwelfare.co.za.

The Art House Knysna and Kaws would like to thank the following for their sponsorship of the art wall: The Deckle Edge, Dulux Paint Centre, Praxos Construction, TI Paint, Knysna Roofing, Meyer Bros Construction, Pam Tudin, the students of The Art House Knysna and the staff and volunteers of Kaws.

The exhibition will only run on Friday 18 November 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturday 19 November 09:00 to 13:00.

Dogs available for adoption walked the red carpet at the well-attended unveiling event.