Growing roots through art

KNYSNA NEWS - Internationally acclaimed Knysna artist Stanley Grootboom's latest art initiative is one that seeks not to benefit showrooms and private art galleries - at least not immediately.

Grootboom recently co-launched and hosted a "rehabilitation through art" workshop alongside Knysna Municipality and the Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre (KADC).

The workshop (and those to come) is aimed at the at-risk youth of Knysna, to help them overcome any personal struggles they may have – be it with substance abuse, crime-related activities, or otherwise.

The workshop followed on from a solo exhibition of Grootboom's artwork in the Old Gaol Museum and the Knysna Arts Gallery, which ran from 15 December 2022 to 15 January. Before the exhibition concluded, Grootboom held a special "evening of original art" on 10 January to announce the launch of the workshop and his partnership with the municipality and the KADC.

It was an evening filled with art and poetry of the highest order, and was attended by representatives and dignitaries of the organisations involved with the workshop initiative. Grootboom was excited for what lay in store.

"This presents us with a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of local youths through the means of art," he said. "And I feel privileged to be a part of this wonderful project."

Speaking on the night, director of KADC Marshall Laminie expressed his pride in the project.

"Growing up we never thought of what possibilities art can present to us, but what we see here tonight is a showcase of what we need to expose our young people to," he said.

"This is where we need to create an image for our young people that you don't need to do drugs to be able to tap into your inner self. You don't need to do drugs to be able to find a way to express yourself."

Some of Stanley Grootboom's artwork.

The chairperson of Knysna Municipality mayoral committee: community services, Waleed Grootboom, also attended the evening.

"I personally believe Stanley's initiative will bring positive changes into our communities, and not just in our communities but in the greater Knysna area too," he said in his speech.

"Art can change the youths' lives. There are young people who don't have opportunities, but we believe that through art we can present them with opportunities."

Stanley Grootboom's magnum opus.