Home is where the Art is

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KNYSNA NEWS - At a gentle push, Knysna could once have been described as the art capital of South Africa. Historically, it carried that reputation as the place to discover and indulge in fine art.

Well, art afficionados and all others, brace yourselves, for the Knysna Art Project is set to reclaim the town's position as a "must go" destination on the art map.

The goal of the Knysna Art Project is to encourage locals, domestic and foreign tourists to explore more of the greater Knysna area, discover all it has to offer, Instagram it and share with the rest of the world.

The project is a collaboration between the Knysna Art Society, Visit Knysna (destination marketing organisation), Knysna Muni-cipality (local economic deve-lopment) and The Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro).

The Knysna Art Society (Kas) is overseeing the project, the aim being to revive the culture of art in the town - at a time that could not be more opportune. Kas is involved in the actual art installations and is playing an instrumental role in encouraging local artists to contribute.

Kas is also playing a pivotal role in the general art resurgence in Knysna by turning it into a magnet for artists, a place to encourage and grow their presence in the town. The number of Kas members has increased phenomenally, driven by artists wanting to participate in the exciting art initiatives under way.

Photo gallery: Knysna Art Project draws artists

Knysna Mayor Ricky van Aswegen says the Knysna Art Society is "a community linking artists, galleries, studios and crafters and an integral and notable contributor to the visitor appeal, but also the economy of the town. Greater Knysna boasts a creative history but over the years the area has become a destination for leisure activities with the focus on art and culture dwindling."

But perhaps not for long if the art society's plans work out.

ART-ENHANCING COVID

Art society chairperson Helena Gerber says this is the perfect time for the art renaissance in Knysna and that Covid-19 has had the silver lining of affording artists time to enjoy and explore their creativity.

"During Covid-19 and the 2020 lockdown periods, artists took to their palettes and homeowners began moving furniture, renovating and doing DIY projects - with many seeking that perfect piece of art to complement their home improvements," says Gerber.

Taking advantage of this, Kas is now on a mission "to inspire, to create vision and a platform for all artists in the community in a way that is authentic, creative and supportive," says Gerber.

She explains that during 2020 when galleries were closed, artists were compelled to take to digital platforms, with the result that the KAS website has become a busy and vibrant platform connecting artists with one another, but also a place where those looking for art can explore and connect with talented artists.

SIX SPECIAL ART SITES

Thus far six iconic Knysna sites have been earmarked for unique art installations: the impressive sculpture at Judah Square, a giant nautilus made from stainless steel and indigenous wood in front of the SANParks offices at Thesen Harbour Town on Thesen Islands; stainless steel impressions of Knysna fynbos and butterflies at Belvidere and Brenton on Sea; a series of surfboards painted by local artists will create a "boardwalk" at Buffalo Bay, and in Sedgefield a mosaic VW beetle by NPO Masithandane will be the latest addition to the town's Mosaic Route.

In time, Knysna's CBD will also be cheered with existing "Knysna in Bloom" pots along the Main Road being turned into creative canvases; the initial installations of the latter being outside the Visit Knysna information office.

JUDAH SQUARE

MAPPING THE ART ROUTE

Another significant project that Kas is working on is an art route/map which will be finalised in time for the 2021 Knysna Oyster Festival. Once completed, the art route will guide visitors on a meander of art, sculpture and working studios in the greater Knysna area. The aim is to have the first edition of the Knysna Art Route map ready for this year's Knysna Oyster Festival in July, but it will be updated regularly with new artists and art spaces.

The Art Route will also feature the installations currently being created as part of Visit Knysna's Interactive Art Project. Visit Knysna and the Knysna Art Society are working hand in hand to expand and grow the art route.

"The listings on the Knysna Art Route are growing weekly" says Colleen Durant, GM of Visit Knysna. "There is still a lot of work to be done on getting all of the art experiences available to the public mapped out. Greater Knysna has a treasure chest of uncelebrated gems that are yet to be added as we create the art route."

JUDAH SQUARE

ART BY THE (FACE)BOOK

The Facebook group Artists Unite, set up by the Knysna Art Society, has also become a place where artists are empowered and encouraged to brainstorm.

"The energy of art in greater Knysna is very special. The area is densely populated with talented artists, attracted by the natural beauty and the lifestyle. Art generated here ends up all over the world," says Knysna Art Society chairperson Helena Gerber.

COME JOIN THE CLUB

In the run-up to the roll-out of the Knysna Art Project, keep your eye on www.knysnaarts.com to see ways you too can become part of this revival. Whether you are an accomplished or an aspiring artist, there is place for everybody living in the greater Knysna area to contribute to the beauty of this town in many different arty and creative ways.

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