Botanical exhibition on the island

KNYSNA NEWS - There are a few days left to view a wonderful collection of artworks at the Leisure Isle Gallery, featuring six artists depicting all things botanical. This is the gallery's second exhibition since it opened last month following a hiatus of 11 years.

The building that houses the art gallery was initially built as The Leisure Isle Service Station and Garage, and in 1952 was transformed into the Wiles Gallery by island artist Brian Wiles to display the work of his father, WG Wiles.

Up until its sale in 2002, the gallery featured mainly the work of the family artists - WG, his brothers Bernard and Frank, as well as Brian, Lucy, Pauline and Jane Wiles. It then operated as the Chris Tugwell Gallery until 2007, when it was partially converted into a tea garden before it was sold again in 2009, when it was integrated to include an antique shop.

Finally, this year, Daniela Dotan took over, and she has been working hard at the gallery since - something that has paid off for her. "We've had so many amazing people come out and support us at the gallery, and have received such great feedback from them, too," she said.

Sally Bekker's works are also on display until Sunday.

After the success of the first group exhibition in October, Dotan was keen to keep up the momentum.

"I saw some works by Joanne Kaschula, and loved her work, so I knew immediately that I wanted to have an exhibition along the flowers and botanicals theme," Dotan explained.

The featured artists are Kaschula, Sally Bekker, Marjory van der Merwe, Lyn Beaton, Margie Schultz and Glynis Vogel. The latter three also exhibited works at the first exhibition.

While the opening of the previous exhibition was a well-attended formal event, it wasn't possible to do so this time around due to the rising Covid-19 cases, so Dotan opted for a small occasion on Thursday 19 November.

Works can be viewed until Sunday 29 November.

Glynnis Vogel's artworks at Leisure Isle Gallery. Photo: Blake Linder